Chapter 224 - Vigilance in the Forest
The time before joining with the Crimson Knights was spent idly, each of us free to spend our moments as we pleased. The former adventurers, in particular, were exploring the unknown forest, reveling in the unfamiliar flora, terrain, and encounters with magical beasts. Valeria, Graylease, and the Young Master were in a similar state of enjoyment.
After all, we only had to return, and we were more than happy to leave the burden of trouble to the knights. We even gave the Young Master, who had been guarding the vehicles, some free time, leaving me to keep watch. I wanted to review and experiment with the techniques I had learned on the journey, and being alone helped me focus better.
I expanded my consciousness to take in all the surrounding information, generating a high-grade, super-complex healing potion with my right hand while creating crystal vials and intricately carving the Kikyo crest with my left. Simultaneously, I was improving the Active Armor, refining the materials and enhancing its functionality. Normally, this would be impossible, but the weakness of high-powered magic attacks had become apparent, and I needed to improve the shield’s strength and overall performance. I had a plan, and I was determined to make it work.
My ability to execute multiple spells simultaneously had significantly leveled up. A little while ago, this level of multitasking would have been impossible. Now that I knew it was possible, I needed to push further and expand my multitasking capabilities.
Next was the Physical Enhancement Magic, which I had seen in its peak form. I wanted to use the super-enhanced state without straining my life force. While ordinary Physical Enhancement Magic was common, reaching the extreme level required advanced techniques. It needed precise mana perception and intricate mana manipulation, and I needed to master the basics of Physical Enhancement Magic itself.
I wanted to be able to use this dangerous state just above my limits safely. If I could maintain a slight edge over my instincts, it should be safe. Understanding my limits would be beneficial.
I wanted other members of the combat team to learn this technique as well. It was a challenging request, but a good goal.
I casually activated the Physical Enhancement Magic, maintaining a state just beyond my limits. Once you grasp the trick, it’s just a matter of getting used to it.
Perhaps some of the elite warriors had achieved this level through some method. For example, Cloud Cutter used a cheat magic potion to reach the same level of physical enhancement. His power was abnormal, and I couldn’t believe he had achieved it through normal means. While I didn’t think he reached it exactly the same way, it was reasonable to assume he had learned a similar technique.
I was so engrossed in my experiments and thoughts that it was almost dusk when everyone finally returned. They had apparently explored together.
They had spent a long time out, so I wondered if they had found anything interesting.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Yukari-san."
Graylease and the Young Master looked apologetic, but I waved them off.
"It’s fine. Did you find anything unusual?"
"Onee-sama, there were so many amazing things!"
"This forest is crazy. We didn’t realize how dangerous and resource-rich it was until we ventured a bit deeper."
"There were lots of rare plants that could be used for magic potions and magical artifacts."
"Areas with clusters of toxic plants and nests of magical beasts were everywhere."
"Large magical beasts were also powerful. We hunted them all and made this area safe."
"The terrain was incredible too. There were deep fissures, elevated plateaus with waterfalls, rivers, and lakes. It’s a paradise for plants and magical beasts."
Indeed, it sounded like a rich and diverse forest. They described what they had seen, and though they couldn’t bring back much due to limited space, the items they did bring were valuable. They also secured some magical beast meat for immediate consumption.
I was curious to see it myself, but it was too late in the day, so I decided against it.
"Let’s start preparing dinner, then."
It felt like a picnic. The Crimson Knights were expected to arrive sometime between tomorrow afternoon and evening, at the latest, the day after. We had a relaxed time ahead, and I thought I might explore the forest tomorrow.
Verone and Albert took charge of preparing the magical beast meat, while the others brought out the food and cooking utensils.
With plenty of time and no interruptions, we decided to cook something elaborate. The main dish was a stew made from large cuts of magical beast meat, vegetables, and herbs, simmered in red wine. We had ample supplies of seasonings and alcohol, so we didn’t skimp.
For side dishes, we prepared something like croquettes, mixing potatoes and finely chopped vegetables, and steamed vegetables. We even added cut fruit with a yogurt sauce, making it feel like a restaurant menu.
The meal was so good that everyone’s spirits lifted. It was a first for us to cook such a time-consuming meal, and the difference from our usual quick cuts and grilling made it a delightful night.
The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed. I had been on watch and woke up once in the middle of the night, but a short, deep sleep was enough for me. The peaceful forest air in the early morning was invigorating, giving me a sense of smooth sailing for the journey ahead.
I tidied up and started my early morning training alone in the still-dark forest.
As the sky brightened, everyone else started to wake up, washing their faces and changing shirts as they prepared breakfast.
Unlike the elaborate dinner, we kept breakfast simple, leaving us with some free time. Since we didn’t know the exact time of the Crimson Knights’ arrival, we couldn’t venture too far.
After completing my tasks, we discussed our plan for the day.
"It’s a bit of a tricky time. Any ideas?"
"How about I go back a bit and check things out? I can see far from the trees."
"Trouble is unlikely at this point, but it wouldn’t hurt to check. I’ll go too."
I decided to accept Mia’s suggestion.
"Alright, Mia and Ophelia, you two can go. The rest of us will stay put or clear out any nearby magical beasts."
"Got it."
Mia and Ophelia drove the jeep west, and the rest of us decided to take a brief look around the edge of the forest.
As the sun rose higher, we heard the sound of approaching vehicles. It was our jeep, but Mia and Ophelia looked suspicious when they returned.
"It doesn’t feel like the Crimson Knights have arrived."
Graylease voiced everyone’s thoughts, and Mia responded.
"There’s a group of vehicles approaching from the true west. If it were the Crimson Knights, they would come from the northwest, and the vehicles don’t belong to the knights. An unknown group is approaching the Abandoned Road."
"They might be the Clad Family, but I couldn’t confirm the details."
"Even if it’s the Clad Family, it could be troublesome if it’s not."
Indeed. In modern times, few people used the Abandoned Road to reach the eastern continent. The only ones who did were the drug cartel and the Empire. It was unlikely that another force would use it now, which left a bad feeling in the air.
Regardless, we had no choice but to stand our ground.
"We’ll wait. If it’s the Clad Family, that’s fine, but if it’s an enemy, we’ll have to take them down. Crossing the Forest of the Underworld while fleeing from enemies is not something I want to do."
Going ahead would be problematic in many ways. We wanted to join up with the Crimson Knights, and we needed to eliminate any obstacles.
"Onee-sama, if it’s an enemy, this forest might be useful."
Valeria looked oddly pleased.
"What do you mean?"
She explained an interesting strategy. If it was an enemy, I would let her handle it.
"Alright, let’s wait and see who shows up."
We parked the vehicles close together as a precaution. If it was the Clad Family, we could let them pass.
Mia and Albert were sent to a large tree a bit west to keep watch and report back immediately if they saw anyone.
The rest of us waited.
"...They’re getting close."
My mana perception detected a group approaching. Mia and Albert returned almost simultaneously.
"It’s the Clad Family!"
"But there are more of them than expected! There are too many!"
I sighed. My mana perception confirmed the large number.
The Clad Family was supposed to send a unit of about three hundred. Even accounting for supplies, the number of vehicles should be around thirty. However, the number of moving magic artifacts detected was easily over fifty, possibly closer to a hundred. The two groups were clearly distinct, and the situation was clear.
The Clad Family was being chased, probably by the Legisamo Cartel.
The question was why they were fleeing, especially with a swordsman like Cloud Cutter among them. We would soon find out, but for now, we had to prepare.
We waited with a sense of tension as the leading vehicle finally came into view.
"Do you recognize them?"
"Yes. They’re definitely from the Clad Family."
Graylease confirmed. We hoped they would provide an explanation, but they looked too anxious to stop.
Before we could decide whether to stop them, they slowed down and then shouted.
"Kikyo Society! You’re just the people we need!"
"The Legisamo Cartel is right behind us! Stop them here!"
They were being unreasonable, pushing the responsibility onto us. Did they think the situation was so dire?
"Do it yourselves. Why is Cloud Cutter running?"
"Bernard is out of mana! We’re almost at our limit, we need your help!"
With that, they sped off. We were left in stunned silence.
Bernard out of mana... Must have been overwhelmed by sheer numbers. It would be dangerous to enter the Forest of the Underworld without their top fighter.
Still, this could be an opportunity to gain their favor.
"Follow the plan! Let’s do this."
"Right!"
The Legisamo Cartel’s arrival was expected. We followed Valeria’s plan.
Seven of us, excluding the Young Master and me, moved forward and created a rock wall to block the road. It was a simple barrier that would stop vehicles but not prevent people from entering the forest on foot.
The approaching group would try to break through, but with me around, it was impossible. They would have to give up, and they would likely attack us in frustration.
The enemy numbered nearly a thousand, enhanced by drugs and capable of fighting without pain until death. Dealing with them would be tedious.
The forest would be our ally. Valeria and the others knew the dangerous areas well.
Our plan was to lure them into deep fissures, toxic plant clusters, and magical beast nests, where they could be defeated without much effort.
The seven would provoke them from the edge of the forest, leading them into the traps. If any enemies resisted, I would take care of them. We would not let anyone interfere with our rendezvous with the Crimson Knights.
Soon, the vehicles appeared on the other side of the wall, and Valeria and the others launched their attack. The enemy fell for the trap and entered the forest.
Once they were inside, only a few remained. I confirmed with the Young Master and the Young Master, and they took care of the rest.
Now, we waited for the others to return with their results.