Chapter 323: Return from the Great Forest

After leaving the village and walking for a while, the lake soon came to view.

We had been in a rush when we came, but now that Ive gotten a second look, I must say that this lake is quite pretty. The water is clear, and the light filtering through the leaves reflect beautifully on the rippling surface. The air was fresh, lush green moss covered the edge of the lake, and there were small animals too drinking nearby.

We may be in a dangerous region, but theres an unusual calmness to the air. Maybe this was how this place was originally without the undead.

From here seems good. [Ryouma]

After getting to this point, I could distinctly sense the position of the stone slimes. Now, I should be able to teleport, and I can tell too if there are enemies near the destination.

If its that convenient, you shouldve buried more. [Glen]

That wouldve been nice, but there were a lot of undead when we came. [Ryouma]

Ah, right. We had our hands full with them, didnt we? [Glen]

Ill add more next time. Are you ready? [Ryouma]

Yeah. Just leave it to me if any monster comes. [Glen]

Im counting on you. Alright, lets go! Warp! [Ryouma]

As mana covered me and Glen-san, I chanted the spell. In the next moment, the scenery changed from that of the lake to the woods, and the presence of the distant slimes could be felt right by my feet.

Good. It worked. Lets go all the way like this. [Ryouma]

I invoked my dimension magic multiple times in succession. The slime markers were pa.s.sed one after another like train stations, and the journey that had taken hours before was now raced through in no time at all.

Theres a pack of raptors pa.s.sing by the next point, so lets wait here for a while. [Ryouma]

Id expected it would be fast, but man, this is something else. Were already back to where the treants were. [Glen]

Indeed, we were already back to that point, and in fact, the corpses of the twin treants that we couldnt recover were still here. If I recall correctly, the village should be about a days walk from here. Weve gotten this far in just an hour.

Fast is good and all, but is your mana alright? [Glen]

Its fine. Ive consumed quite a bit, but I have a lot of mana in the first place, and were taking a breather right now too. If I need to rest, I could just take out a huge rock slime. And if we need to hurry, I have plenty of mana potions. [Ryouma]

I have more than enough mana to cover the distance from here to the village. If we keep up this pace, we might be able to make it out of the forest by the end of today, even considering any delays along the way.

Alright, the raptors have left. [Ryouma]

You didnt get to rest at all, did you? Either way, it sure is convenient, you and your slimes. [Glen]

Im not sure whether to take that as praise or criticism, but I resumed our consecutive telportation. The next check point was before the marsh where I rendezvoused with Glen-san.

Understandably, I couldnt leave a slime in the marsh, so well have to manually make our way through. [Ryouma]

Of course, the slimes would be fine even if they were to sink in the water, but then I wouldnt be able to retrieve them easily. Ive buried one in the solid ground in the opposite sh.o.r.e, though, so we wont lose our way. Moreover, with the boat and the slime magic that I used to cross before, getting past the marsh should be easy.

Or so I was thinking anyway, but then I realized that I overlooked one thing.

Glen-san, can you ride this thing? [Ryouma]

If I put away my hammer, I should be able to make it just barely. [Glen]

The boat I had on me was that same small boat I used before. Yurdum-san and I have ridden it once together, so its big enough to fit me and an adult, but Glen-san is just too big.

First, Glenn carefully placed one foot to check how much it would sink, then he lowered his large frame into the boat, trying to fit himself in. Although he managed to get on board, it seems quite cramped.

The issue is not only with the limited s.p.a.ce but also with the weight. Its a very tight fit.

Well, we managed to get on, but I dont think well be able to move fast like this. [Ryouma]

We wont be able to fight if we get attacked too. [Glen]

We might just sink if we move poorly, after all. Come to think of it, how did you cross the marsh? [Ryouma]

Dont tell me he ran through it.

I dont know actually since I just relied on my intuition and feeling and happened into you. I didnt get into the marsh, though, so I probably went around. [Glen]

In that case, lets proceed along the sh.o.r.e just to be safe. We wont lose our direction, so its safer to prioritize safety over rus.h.i.+ng the shortest route. [Ryouma]

Glen-san was fine with that, so thats what we did. With the mud slimes help, we proceeded along the sh.o.r.e on the boat. We couldnt move as fast as before, but we still moved much faster than we could on foot.

I was attacked by a Galmos Aligator when I came here before, but they mostly dwell in the deeper parts of the marsh, so they rarely attack the sh.o.r.e. Moreover, Glen-san and the slimes could detect them too. Besides, even those rare attacks could be avoided easily. Thats why there were no problems even if we couldnt move quickly.

While I was thinking that, Glen-san suddenly yelled from behind.

Ryouma! Turn the boat now! [Glen]

Immediately, I changed our course from the sh.o.r.e into the center, then a moment later, a pack of monsters relaxing on the sh.o.r.e came into view.

Ah, its a bloat of Shotgun Hippopotamuses. [Ryouma]

According to the information Ive gotten beforehand, while not as formidable as the Cannonball Rhinos, these hippos possess high defensive capabilities and are quite aggressive. True to their name, they are a monster that resemble a turret, equipped with a long-range attack method akin to a shotgun.

It is said that they prefer to eat monsters with hard sh.e.l.ls, such as Rockfish and Spiky Snails, which inhabit the swamp. The fragments of these sh.e.l.ls, which they cannot fully digest, are stored in their stomachs and used as ammunition.

Those guys are everywhere, so theyre hard to avoid, but if you dont, youll get covered in feces, so its better to stay away. [Glen]

Just as Glen-san says, they use their own feces to attack.

It might sound like a load of c.r.a.p, but feces with fragments of sh.e.l.ls and sharp husks being shot at you is nothing to scoff at. Infection rates are high too. We managed to get away before a fight broke out, so everything is fine for now, but those are some monsters that Id rather not get in a fight with.

Bigii!? [Shotgun Hippo 1]

Ah, that one blew up. Is it trying to intimidate us? [Ryouma]

Probably. The other hippos seem wary too. [Glen]

Since we can see them, they can see us too. The closest hippo raised its voice, but fortunately, we managed to distance ourselves in time.

Theres no need to go out of our way to hunt them, so lets just go. [Glen]

Yes. Itll be a bit deeper, but we should be able to get past the marsh in no time. [Ryouma]

Like this, the small boat proceeded while avoiding the monsters of the swamp, and with the current created by the Mud Slime, we soon pa.s.sed through a s.p.a.ce filled with the scent of trees, earth, and water, eventually reaching the opposite sh.o.r.e. From this point on, we would be proceed through my dimension magic.

Taking occasional breaks and ignoring the bases along the way, by the time the sun began to set and the forest grew darker, we were already close to the edge of the forest. Already, the first base was in sight.

Wow, we actually got all the way here in one day. Well, the sun is setting, so we might as well retire here. [Glen]

Yes, lets do that. [Ryouma]

We could make it out of the forest if we hurried, but then we would have to stay at an inn at a town nearby or sleep outside, thats not much of a difference from just sleeping here, so we might as well just rest here. Upon deciding that, I covered myself in light mana.

We approached the base, and a familiar face peeked out through the open door.

Youre back. [Ashton]

Ashton-san! [Ryouma]

Its a coincidence that Im on duty today, but Ive been waiting for you. Well, lets talk later. Come in. [Ashton]

He noticed Glen-san, but he didnt say anything and just opened the way. When we entered the base, the people at the bar there all made a commotion.

Hey, look! [Adventurer 1]

Its that brat! He came back! [Adventurer 2]

Alright!!! [Adventurer 3]

Seriously!? d.a.m.n it, I lost! [Adventurer 4]

Arghhh! Oh!? [Adventurer 5]

Not only did they make a commotion, some of the patrons made a strange sound too. But as soon as Glen-san entered, all of that fell silent.

Hey, why is that kid with Glen? [Adventurer 1]

As if Id know? Didnt he just save his a.s.s somewhere? Adventurer 2]

Theres no way. That guys only interested in strong people. [Adventurer 3]

He might still save someone if theyre on the verge of death, but theres no way hed bother escorting someone. Doesnt look like that kid is being protected either. [Adventurer 4]

Either way, give it up. The results cant be changed. [Adventurer 5]

U-Uwaaa [Adventurer 6]

The people either cheered or lamented, but regardless, they continued to steal glances at me. Come to think of it, when I first came here, I did hear something about them making a bet.

Ashton-san, could it be that those people [Ryouma]

Yeah, they were gambling on you. Whether you would come back or not. Also, when you came back, just how wounded youd be. [Ashton]

So how many votes did I get? [Ryouma]

Its about 8:2 that you wont come back. Most new faces, adult at that too, never come back, so you coming back is really a huge upset. Were you a normal kid, there wouldnt have been a bet in the first place, so if anything, the fact that 20% still voted for you coming back is a lot. [Ashton]

Well, Ive personally seen for myself just what sort of place the Great Forest is, so I know its not a place for normal children.

In any case, Ill be in your care for tonight. [Ryouma]

Tell that to the old man. He should be there in the bar today too.

My s.h.i.+ft is mostly done already, so let me treat you to something to celebrate your safe return. Besides, I made money off you too. [Ashton]

For a moment, I wondered if it was really okay, but then I realized he gambled on me too.

In that case, Ill happily oblige. [Ryouma]

At that, I went to the bar in the opposite direction. People were looking at me even along the way.

I thought I heard something strange. So you managed to get back, huh. [Stem]

Yes, I managed to make it back safely. So I was hoping to ask for a room for the night, oh, make it two rooms, please. [Ryouma]

Some food and sake would be G.o.d too. We can sit there. [Glen]

Hey, Glen-san. [Ryouma]

Dont worry. I dont know why youre with him, but hes always been like this. Dont worry about it.

I thought he was being demanding, but he just went off to his own seat, and old man Stem just said that thats how he usually acted. Come to think of it, he hasnt spoken much since entering the base. He did say that people tended to crowd him for his fame, so maybe thats why hes trying not to get involved with other adventurers as much as possible.

More importantly, you seem to have made it all the way to Cormi Village. [Stem]

You can tell? [Ryouma]

Well, you dont look the slightest bit disappointed or sad. Either way, it seems your search was a success. Ill bring you some nice meat and liquor, so you take a seat and wait too. [Stem]

Stem-san is curt too, but he was willing to celebrate with me for my safe return and success. I followed after Glen-san. When I did, I saw Ahston-son rus.h.i.+ng from the path we went through earlier to enter the tavern.

I waved at him and called him over to where Glen-san was sitting.

I kept you waiting. [Ashton]

Not at all. If anything, you were quite fast. Did I make you hurry? [Ryouma]

The guy for the next s.h.i.+ft came right when you left. Thats why I was able to come so soon. They started pestering me to treat them too, so I sent them away. More importantly, are you sure its okay for me to sit here? [Ashton]

Ashton-san glanced at Glen-san, but its probably fine.

Its fine, right? [Ryouma]

Drinking, I dont mind. Just dont get me involved with anything unnecessary. [Glen]

Really? In that case, I wont hold back. [Ashton]

As Ashton-san said that, he boldly sat in front of Glen-san. I also took a seat.

Oh, you came too? Then hurry up and order. [Stem]

Ill just have whatever the two of them are having. I made quite a bit this time, so I dont mind even if its expensive. Anyway, how did it go? [Ashton]

As he accepted the food and drinks from Stem-san, he asked me that. Apparently, he wanted to ask how my search in the forest went.

So I told him about my search in the Great Forest, about the situation of the bases along the way, of the bases deepest in, then about how I pa.s.sed the marsh and met up with Glen-san, and about how I finally reached Cormi village.

I wouldnt say Im that good as a conversationalist, but he really got into it, though Id argue he wanted to talk in the first place.

Ha~ The two of you are really something, you know? [Ashton]

You mean how we went deeper than the front line? [Ryouma]

Theres that too, but Im talking more about the food you made along the way. Its one thing to use Dimension Magic for camping, but dont you think its weird to cook, eat hot food, then even drink liquor while youre out in the wilds? Such a thing wouldve been suicidal for anyone else. [Ashton]

What do you mean us two? Dont drag me here. The only weird one here is Ryouma. [Glen]

Surprisingly, Glen-san actually interjected. Hed been just quietly eating, but it seemed he finally couldnt hold himself back and said something.

The food was great, so I had no complaints, but I knew full well there was nothing normal about that whole trip. [Glen]

Well, thats true. [Ryouma]

Its not just here, you know? Even outside the Great Forest, Ive never been able to eat that well while working. Your slime bed doesnt lose out to inns, and even the way you fight is interesting. It was to the point that I actually wouldnt mind teaming up with you properly. [Glen]

He said those last words casually, but the moment he did, all the sounds around us went quiet. A glance at the people nearby would show that their eyes have opened wide, ears perked, twitching. There was electricity in the air.

Unfortunately, Ill have to decline. [Ryouma]

Thats too bad. [Glen]

It was a simple rejection on my part, but everyone else looked shocked. There were even those that leaned onto their tables and let out voices of shock.

Are you crazy!? Thats an S Rank adventurer! [Ashton]

Ashton-san yelled, and somehow, that seemed to represent everyones thoughts. The expression on everyone elses faces seemed to say so, and there were even those nodding.

I know Glen-sans skills myself, but as an adventurer, I prefer the convenience of being able to do as I please. [Ryouma]

I also prefer to do what I want, so it would probably depend on my mood. [Glen]

This time, Glen-san decided to follow me on his own, so I was given the authority to make decisions, but if that hadnt been the case, I think theres a high chance I would have been dragged around by him.

He even admitted it himselfhes a bit of a free spirit.

Not that I can really say much about others, though.

Any other adventurer would have jumped at the offer, but if thats what the two of you have decided, then it cant be helped. Personally, I think its a waste, but you seem to have refused quite readily. [Ashton]

We both just want to do what we want. If theres a good opportunity, theres nothing wrong about teaming up. He just decided to follow me around this time anyway. [Ryouma]

Yes. We can just work together again if theres another opportunity. [Glen]

At first, I thought Id gotten entangled with a weird guy, but in the end, it was quite fun. I genuinely wouldnt mind working together if theres an opportunity.

That was all there was to it, but as expected, the words of an S Rank were big. The residents here might tend to be more meritocratic due to the nature of the area, but the recent exchange seems to have had a significant impact on the eavesdroppers. The stares have become more obvious, and the conversations among the other customers were now louder than before.

A few seconds later, the faint yet clear sound of was Glens click of the tongue reached my ears.

Hey, old man! [Glen]

Im not deaf that you need to yell. What? [Stem]

Glen-san suddenly handed a pouch over to Stem-san. When he opened it, what was inside was the corpse of an immortal snake.

For all the idlers mumbling here, the drinks on me tonight You hear that, you bunch of b.i.t.c.hes? If you want to talk, stop gossiping among yourselves like youve lost your pair! If you want to talk, then make some noise! [Glen]

Oh!!!

Following the declaration made while holding the giant serpent aloft with one hand, the adventurers cheers echoed a moment later. I didnt expect him to lose his temper and make a commotion, but I also didnt antic.i.p.ate things would turn out like this.

So, is that enough, old man? [Glen]

Immortal snake, huh. How long has it been? Moreover, in such a good state too. Just the leather alone would have been plenty. [Stem]

In that case, give them the meat. [Glen]

Alright. Hey! Someone help me carry this thing! [Stem]

Stem-sans voice didnt lose out to the cheers of the adventurers, and before we knew it, a banquet had begun. The immortal snake was taken away and dressed, then in no time at all, the immortal snake wound up in the adventurers bellies.

Glen-san, werent you in debt? [Ryouma]

Its better than the liquor becoming bad. I made way more than I was planning to this time, and if thats not enough, I can just make more again. [Glen]

That was his spoils that he handed, so Im not complaining, but no wonder hes in debt if he spends money like this. Well, its not bad.

About a fifth of them seemed to have been gambling on me too. Ill just think of gambling on someone as a vote of encouragement here in the forest. Stem-san and Ashton-san congratulated me on my safety and the success of my search, and as a way of returning the congratulations, I thought Id offer them something too.

After consulting with Stem-san, I decided to provide some extra vegetables, and the excitement among the adventurers increased even more. Like that, the impromptu banquet became even livelier.

Even though Im still a newcomer here, Glen-sans presence and trust, along with the provision of vegetables, ended up confirming the abundant food situation that had been mentioned earlier. The surrounding adventurers too began to recognize my abilities.

But

Hey! Glen, wake up! [Adventurer 1]

Open your eyes! [Adventurer 2]

Forget it. Its hopeless. [Adventurer 3]

That brat, no, Ryouma won! [Adventurer 4]

A few hours after the banquet started, I found myself at the center of the adventurers. In front of me was Glen, completely pa.s.sed out from drinking, and the surrounding area was littered with even more incapacitated adventurers.

By the way, Ashton had already been knocked out and carried out earlier.

With a slightly light-headed feeling, I tried to recall how things had progressed up to this point. It seems that, given the rough nature of adventurers, its only natural that a drinking contest had started up almost without us noticing. Todays banquet was initiated by Glen, and since I was also one of the main partic.i.p.ants, I got caught up in it and ended up here.

Isnt that guy a dwarf, after all? [Adventure 5]

From the sound of things, that doesnt seem to be the case. His grandpa is a dwarf, but theyre supposedly not blood related. [Adventurer 6]

Thats got to be a lie. Look at this place. Everyones drunk dead but him. [Adventurer 7]

Thanks to the blessing of the G.o.d of liquor, I found myself still standing as the last one remaining, and I could hear voices of awe and fear from those who had been watching from a distance. However, given the current state, its clear that the banquet should be over by now, so I strengthened my body with ki and carried the unconscious Glen.

Because of how big he was and how small I was, I ended up dragging his body no matter, but even then he showed no signs of waking.

Stem-san, Im sorry to leave like this after getting your tavern so dirty, but can I get you to ready my room? [Ryouma]

Its ready already. Dont worry about the store. More importantly, are you okay even after drinking that much? [Stem]

Im a little tipsy, but I can move and talk just fine. I have the blessing of the G.o.d of Wine, you see, a bit unfortunate for those that gambled. [Ryouma]

Gamblers are their own responsibility. Besides, they wouldnt stop just because they lost. [Stem]

Does everyone here like to bet that much? [Ryouma]

I mean, if youre adventuring out here in the Great Forest, youre basically risking your life everyday to make it big. If anything, people that dont like to gamble would be stranger here. [Stem]

Makes sense. I followed him as he led the way, and before long, we reached our lodging for the night. I threw Glen-san into one of the rooms, while I retired in my own.

The next day.

s.h.i.+t, I cant believe I lost in a drinking contest. [Glen]

We ended up duking it out, though, so youve already proven yourself plenty strong. [Ryouma]

You know I blacked out right at the start and Im a mess today, so how come, the two of you who drank until the end are acting perfectly fine? [Ashton]

I woke up perfectly fine, while Glen-san too acted as though he hadnt drank himself dead yesterday, yet Ashton-san was gently caressing his stomach while sipping on soup.

Beats me. But Ive never once had a bad day after getting black out drunk. [Glen]

I have the blessings of a G.o.d, so while Glen-san was probably strengthening himself unconsciously, I was probably being strengthened in some form too. [Ryouma]

While drinking together yesterday, I noticed that Glen-san doesnt avoid getting drunk. In fact, it seemed like the time it took for the alcohol to start affecting him was quite short.

I speculate that he might have a faster metabolism than others, which means he breaks down alcohol quickly, but he might also absorb it quickly.

While we were talking like that, our plates soon emptied, and our meal ended. When I stood up, Ashton-san looked up at me with a pale face.

Are you going? Im sure the two of you dont need it, but take care. [Ashton]

Ill come back again in the near future. You take care too, Ashton-san. [Ryouma]

Since well likely be seeing each other many more times, theres no need for a prolonged farewell. I briefly bid my goodbyes while he sipped his soup, and we left the tavern and the outpost. From there, as usual, we teleported to quickly exit the Great Forest.

As we approached the boundary between the Great Forest and the outside world, we walked the final few meters on foot.

Then, unlike when I first arrived, I distinctly felt the airs heat and humidity drop sharply. At that, it became apparent that we were finally and truly back.

Well, we managed to get out of the forest. What will you be doing now? I plan to head to the nearest village, while you be coming too? [Ryouma]

I need to sell my spoils or Ive got no money to spend, so Ill be heading straight for the capital. [Glen]

The direction he pointed to is different from the nearest town Im heading toin fact, its a direction with no town or road. Its likely that the capital is in the direction he indicated, and he probably intends to head straight there from here.

In that case, until next time. [Ryouma]

Yeah. Lets fight again when we meet next! [Glen]

Id like to be spared of that, but I do think he might be a good sparring partner to hone myself, but the moment I thought that, hed already run off. But then he suddenly stopped.

Oops, I almost forgot. Ryouma! When I get some money, Im going to buy some of that preserved food of yours, so prepare me some, okay!? Im sure itll be fine with your patron n.o.ble if you just drop my name! Thanks! [Glen]

As soon as he yelled that, he ran off without even waiting for an answer. Before I knew it, he was already a dot into the distance.

A noisy person right at the very end, huh. Hes surprisingly a good guy, though. [Ryouma]

As for the preserved foods, I need to replenish what was used up during this trip, so Ill instruct the goblins to increase production. He didnt mention which dishes hed like, but hes the sort to eat a ton at once, so it should be enough to prepare a reasonable amount of each dish.

Hes got a big wallet, so hes a great customer, but the matter of selling will have to be decided after speaking with Reinhardt-san. As I thought that to myself, I suddenly became curious.

Hmm? Did I not talk about the Jamil family at all to him? [Ryouma]

We didnt meet in the best of situations, so I had been wary of him and didnt share any specific details. Im pretty sure I didnt even mention the name of the city I was living at.

Oh, well. Its too late even if I notice it now.

I cant even see his shadow anymore.