*psssh*
"We have arrive, please mind the gap."
Hearing the train stop and the sound of the lady in the box, I stood up and see the doors open. It was already high noon with the sun atop of us. Yet, with such cold winds and weather the usual feeling of drought and burn is replaced with the foreign cold and freezing.
"Haaah!"
I let my breathe out to see it turn to mist and I stretch shouting:
"We've arrived! That was longer than expected."
(Or maybe is that effect where when something is close yet look so distant thing? Or how waiting for 5 minutes feels like hours when you're hungry for your cup ramen?)
Juha exits after me looking a bit annoyed saying:
"Quiet down you idiot! Don't embarrass yourself in public!"
"Sorry..."
Ye-Hua who exits last looks around before she walks close to me in hurry.
"I almost forgot you're still following us with how quiet you are."
Seeing how she's been so quiet all this time and especially to me who can hear things pretty nicely. Ye-Hua mourn in regret replying:
"Uugh! Now I can see you getting along well with Jana acting like that..."
"Really?"
"No! Forget I said that! Haaah..."
Seeing her slouch down I walk close to the edge of the station and as my eyes are drawn to the scenery. Built around the rivers and atop the trees, this place looks like a huge tree house turn town with a river down below. Unlike the city, this place have no tall buildings at all but even structures that seems to make the tree shield them. Even if the entire place is covered by snow, the green brick buildings are just hard to see.
"Woah! This is the checkpoint?"
And following the giant road filled to the brim with transport beasts while the side road filled with peoples around. It all soon leads to a giant tree pillars that's been twisted to cyclones as if it's some kind of huge gate. Juha walks beside me and leans at the edge replying:
"Yeah, that huge twisting wood gate will be where you take your promotion quest."
"Oh! I see- wait, where will you be waiting? The quest take days right? Will you be going home after I enter?"
"Oh, worry not, I'll be using the house my family own as I wait."
"You have a house here?"
"Yeah... There."
Juha looks back and points up, when my eyes follow I could see a small green brick house strap to tree with a large balcony. And it seems that's not the only house either while the only way up seems to be with a ship as there's a small port to its side.
"That looks nice..."
(A tree house huh? I always wonder how that feels? I can only imagine how my legs will feel after I look down).
"I'll send your compliment to my dad then, that is a vacation house my Parents own. I also live there while I was training here but have no worry, I'll be waiting and watching for you everyday at the exit of the trial grounds most of the day."
"Ah! Alright then! Lead the way, Juha!"
"Sigh, that's expected. Follow along."
"W-Wait for me!"
*************************************
Rather than using some transport vehicles or beasts, we're more like ignoring the people that got scared seeing Juha. The usual sight of seeing drivers shutting up before they could call us or what seems to be the residents of the forests ignore us as well with the exception of Hunters that pass along to steal glances. Hearing murmurs of,
"Hey! I heard the adventurers are having a promotion quest today! It's suppose to be a big event!", "Big huh? Well adventurers having promotion quest is already rare, but here?", "Hey! Anyone want a drive! It's only 3 shì!", "Do you know the one that spark all this riot is some rising newbie adventurer from the northern peninsula called the Star Child? Heard she's a monster of a beast that even the famous Strom Walker approved off. I say, she's daring to accept a promotion quest here.", "That's so good!", "Hey, our town's Newest Forest Guardian Rookie is participating as well it seems! Oooh, it's gonna be a clash between some prominent rookie Hunters and Adventurers!", "Selling! Selling! Only 10 Shì for a set of healing items!" "After seeing the Special Rank promotion of Gisa, I wonder if this will be just as fun?", "Hey, where did all the bird go? And my pet ran away recently. Have you seen, Lil Ji?", "Heh, the rookie killer will crush those rushing kids ten seconds flat. I bet 100 Yuan!", "Like you even have that kind of money. Stop getting drunk so early, old man. Hey, I'm ready to pay!", "You know, maybe rich girls ain't bad? Kinda wanna get stepped on now.", "Hmm... I wonder which sword is better? Single or double edge? Zenon?", "What's a soldier doing in the neutral zone? Even with Martial Law they can't come here willy-nilly... I got a bad feeling about this. Especially after that huge bird swarm just ran away.", "Bro, I think they're just trying to find a better living conditions. I mean they didn't even fly north when it's time. Maybe now they're doing it? Late party maybe.", "News sir, would you buy today's news sir? Only 1 shì.", "Piss off, Owlian kid! Did you not see the sign!", *Stomp* *Stomp* "Is this where you wish to drop off ma'am?", "Where did that come from?", "So how much would it be for watching the match in the trial grounds? Usually it's only Hunters but now there's Adventurers. I hope the price didn't rise... 150 shì is already too much.", *Munch* *Munch*, "Ordering 3 bowls maam! Usual!", "Sorry, buddy no meats today, it seems the cattle's acting weirdly so until the vet and experts arrive we're going all green.", "Woah look at that girl supporting all white and long blonde. She's definitely my type.", "Dude eyes away! She's being escorted by a Jade bone!"
I shut my ears off the surrounding area and my eyes wander thinking,
(Now that I think about it, being seen escorted by a soldier while wearing normal clothes makes it seem like I'm some kind of criminal or convict huh? I guess not many good things is seen if I'm not wearing the same uniform or some fancy noble robe... And wait, they're using Confederation currency here? Do I need to change my money? And it seems our presence are making a scene... Now my head kinda hurts, this is the first time I actually listen that long. And I feel like I heard something disturbing in the process...)
Using the side roads which turns out to be made from straighten roots which is amazing and a bit uncomfortable since I kinda step into some bumps along the way. From the lamps and fence, it's all from wood it seems. Twisted and bent to form the desired shape but always somehow pointed up. On our sides are some inner roads leading to the deeper part of the town or the other main road it seems. And unlike the city, this place has a distinct lack of any of those huge panels or vehicles I see... Simply put, kinda reminds me of the old times I read about or a country relying solely on magic yet stones it seems.
Slowly we're getting closer to the trial grounds. The sight of Hunters and pedestrian becomes more frequent as they seem to gather around the door. Yet, just like always with Juha's help they make way for us as we move.
(Having Juha really is convenient. No disturbance and smooth travel... Kinda feels weird to be feared though).
I try to ignore the mass and look to the sides at the stores that becomes more common as we go near the trial grounds. The amount of food stores, inn, and armoury is just ridiculous. And many of the inn seems to have the [Full] sign, armouries with their display racket being empty.
(Business seems to be booming. That's nice).
Before long, we start to see a two floored building stretching wide from one side to the other like a wall for the forest with some giant round open area where the round door is located. Tents and make-shift roofs are set-up as huge amount of Hunters are gathered there it seems.
(Hmm? I always wondered but why is there so many Hunter's here? Isn't this a training ground for Adventurers? Maybe I should've listen to Yoo-Ah about Hunters last night... Maybe they're just here to watch? But those weapons sure don't seem like it).
With many of them seemingly gearing up for a huge battle ahead, I could see trap makers, huge melee weapons I know not of the name, and even cannons. Seeing their gear I soon realize most of them are low-rank and very few are even in mid-rank with no High-Rank in sight...
(I guess what Saya's Hunter friend said is true. High-Rank Hunters seems to be a rarity. It must've been a rare sight back at the Turtle Sector's guild
Ye-Hua who is being quiet all this time seems to stick very close to me as she holds my cloak firmly.
"Hey, Sova?"
"Yea?"
"Say, why don't we team up? For just this once?"
"Huh? Why? I'm suppose to defeat you in the promotion right?"
"Well, she never said when right!? Let's just team up at the beginning and when we're done or close to finishing the quest, then we'll fight!"
"But..."
"Look around you! Do you think they're friendly? We'll be done in before we could probably finish it! Besides, Jana never said we can't team-up can't we? Please...!"
"Hmm..."
My head seems to agree full heartedly but I realize I haven't even had the chance to train or even utilize my magic all these time.
"You're right..."
"Yay!"
Ye-Hua smiles brightly like the sun after my answer,
"But..."
With a single word, her smile turn upside down as she grasp the collar of my cloak and shake me shouting:
"Wha- What's with the but!? You do realize this is a one in a long chance of possibility right! If we fail we're gonna have to start from scratch! And it took me like 3 years to get this!"
"Like I said, I agree but this is a one chance I can try something. And I can't let you see-"
"Urgh! Is this all for her!? Like seriously! What do you see in her!? She's nothing but a selfish, narcissistic, and egotistical-"
"Hey! Shut it! You can argue about your idols in another date!"
"Eek!"
Scared by Juha's yell, Ye-Hua hides behind me for cover when I realize we stopped at some reception with Hunter staff behind them.
"We've arrive at the registry."
"Oh?"
"Well, this is where we part ways. I'll be watching from the distance for once... Good luck."
"Ah, okay, thanks, Juha."
"Hmph!"
Juha turns around leaves the both of us as I do the same and face the receptionist. Maybe they're different than the ones from back at Central their smiles seems to be a bit forced compared to...
(Who's Sis Rubeca friend again? All I remember is she's the Bronze Valkyrie...)
"Um, excuse me, but are you perhaps here for the Adventurers promotion quest?"
I nod saying:
"Yea."
"Um, if you would please let us see your identification?"
(Identification? Oh the badge).
I take the badge I hang at my chest and hand it to her saying:
"Here you go, and do you mind telling me when we'll start?"
"Oh? Immediately of course!"
"Huh?"
Hearing her say that, she took the badge and drag it over some blank panel. With an excited smile she replies,
"We've been waiting for you, Sova Anmao! You'll be taking the promotion quest alongside Hunters who wishes to train their survival skills as well! The best of luck completing your quest!"
(Survival skills? With all those equipment!?)
*ROOOOOOO*
She hands me back the badge and soon a loud siren rings throughout the whole place like a roaring beasst. The Hunters that's been in standby all stand and look at the reception with a huge smile.
"Heh, so that's who everyone's been talking about?", "Some weak-ass, twig-ass Owlian?", "This will be fun!", "By the lord and spirits, it seems today's my lucky day!", "She's brave coming here knowing that we're waiting, I'll give her that.", "Poor young'un. Forgive me but I need the money.", "Zenon, it seems she's here. Good luck out there.", "Ready the drivers! Time for some hunt!", "Ooh~ I can't fathom the fame and rewards I'll get by beating her!", "Heh! See that!? Those that bet on me is all secured!"
The Hunter Crowd clamor in excitement as they all soon rush near the gate. I wear my badge thinking,
(Wait... What's going on here? Now I'm regretting it a bit... They may be Low-rank and Mid-rank but I shouldn't underestimate them).
"See that! You hear that? You feel all that! Don't you think we should team up!? The golems won't kill us but those hunters will-"
*Creeeak*
Ye-Hua who's trying to convince me one more time got cut off by the sound of the huge gate starting to loose up. I walk out of the tent ignoring Ye-Hua to see the gate reversing it's shape as it twirls back to open with a blinding light. Before entering and following the group of Hunters entering in droves, I look back feeling bad for Ye-Hua and approach her again which seems to brings tears to her eyes. I sigh saying:
"If we meet inside again, then we can team up. Good luck."
I turn around without looking back and went into the light...
*************************************
Wondering if I entered some sort of magic gate, I realize that's a stupid thinking as I come out into a huge open area closed by a huge dome-like shape. With holes big enough for groups to enter everywhere I see, it feels like I've entered some kind of hive. One thing I notice immediately is the huge blank panel at the centre.
"Is there suppose to be something written there?"
(This reminds me of the time I train with Sis Rubeca. Well, if there's one good thing I remembered is that I got a week worth of sweetening for my food).
The Hunters seems to not stop here but enter the huge holes in droves as they have some kind of sight, a vision in mind. Wondering what they're doing and seeing that none are approaching or trying to engage me, I slow down and hear what they're up to.
"Hurry up! We have to set up the trap!", "Where's the rope? We're going to tie in those puppets!", "Hey, look at her, all calm and such, can't wait to see the look on her face afterwards.", "If she's an adventurer then she'll definitely head to defeat the Rookie killer immediately. Staying out to survive with us around is suicide.", "How many drills dow e have? Is it enough?", "C'mon! Get going!", "Look at her gear, she may be Owlian but she must be the bastard of some noble family. She'll definitely rush to the centre with a map and-"
(A map!? There's a map here?! But... It'll be a bit useless knowing I can't really read a map... Either way, it would still be a great asset to have knowing what is there here).
Wondering where that voice come from I look around when I realize the participants start to thin and I decided to join in and jump high.
"Woah!", "The hell!", "The fuck! Is that!", "Did you see that?!"
Seeing a small hole at the ceiling, I grab ahold some bumps and start to climb inside when suddenly the entrance closed behind me.
(Woah! Weird, the other holes didn't close when they enter... And it's a bit tight with my bag...)
I start to remove my bag and drag it with my feet as I climb. The tunnel is dark as I can't see anything but with my hands I keep crawling as I wonder what the hell is with this place. The smell of wood and musk is thick as I remember...
"Right! Let's see if I can conjure do... Nah, it's a bit risky doing it here. I may accidentally bring some explosion blast... Haaah, let's do this patiently."
Little by little I crawl without knowing where I'm going but seeing how its been one straight line, I'm feeling a bit hopeful...
"Phew!"
(If it wasn't the mud drag training I've done with Sis I wonder if I would last?)
Patiently, one stride at a time I crawl, hearing only the echoes of my own and breathe. Smelling nothing but dirt, wood, and musk. While the wooden surface is soften thanks to my cloak which makes my elbow more comfortable.
(Just keep crawling, and keep crawling...)
Time seems to be lost in my mind as I enduring crawl. Wondering what to think and pass the time, I start to compile the information I gathered from what I heard.
"For one thing, the Hunters are actually targeting me... But is it just me? They say adventurers so all of the Adventurer? But where are the others? Wait of all adventurers are targets does that mean Ye-Hua's in danger? What happen if she's defeated before I could even meet her again- Aaah!"
In a bit of panic I crawl a bit faster but soon enough, I slow down saying:
"Foooh! Wait! Calm down! Calm down! If what Yoo-Ah said is true, adventurers wouldn't be defeated so easily. Have faith on your enemies I suppose bit if she did my deal with Jana will be over and who knows when I'll get to be so close! Urgh! No point crying over spilled milk... What else is there?"
Feeling a wind blowing at me, I realize that I'm definitely making progress. Feeling a bit thirsty but with how tight this is I can't grab it so bear with it for now.
"Next would be... The victory conditions. Yoo-Ah said I need only to survive for two days to succeed or I can rush ahead and defeat the Golem? But hearing what that guy said I'm sure many of the Hunters would gather around the place of that Rookie Killer. But they also said they would set up traps and probably wait for me either way, their numbers are many and I think it'll be a battle for attrition I don't have if I wait... Hmm... There's also the Puppets Juha and Yoo-Ah told me about that roamed the place.
Argh! Too much thinking, for now I need to secure a safe place then I can plan again."