The winds that made the leaves above me sway blew into my face, shifting my hair around as I stood quietly at the forest edge.
Tael poked at my shoulder. "Kenji, what's the hold up? Are we going into the forest or are we not?"
Something in the recessess of my mind told me not to enter this forest, but I don't know why. I've been digging in my memories in a desperate attempt to recall the exact detail that has been nagging at me.
Eventually, I remembered the survival tip I saw on television oh so long ago. I snapped my fingers, causing Tael to jump back in shock. "That's right! I've heard that people get lost in forests easily. Even if people only go a short distance, they can easily get lost!"
Tael slowly relaxed as he walked up to a nearby tree, caressing its bark slowly with his hand. "Oh… You're right. We don't have a druid or anything, so finding our way out is probably going to be fairly hard."
The winds of the forests, the leaves shifting around, and the quiet flutters of the occasional bird. All of these noises taunted us as we continued to stand idly at the gaping entrance of the treeline.
I clenched my fist in frustration. All I've done is kill a single slime. I haven't done nearly enough to warrant going home yet. If I don't do something, then I will have just wasted my time.
After some inner debating, I came up with an idea.
I walked backwards a few meters before I saw something stick out from above the treeline. "There are hills that stick out from the treetops, right?" I pointed.
Tael turned away from the tree he had been investigating. "Yeah?"
"Well... When we need to leave, let's just climb the hills and find our way out by using those."
Tael smiled. "Good idea, Kenji! This is why I took you under my wing!" He shouted as he swung his arm.
Though this is a flimsy plan, I'm still anxious about getting things done today. I know this probably isn't an optimal idea, but I want to finish a successful excursion and level up. I can't stay level zero forever.
With our mutual agreement on my impulsive decision, we began to trudge into the forest. The sound of birds chirping and leaves waving created a constant cacophony of noise. Though the canopy of leaves did block the sunlight, there was still enough to be able to see the floor without being impeded. The floor is covered in very thick grass that is crushed under each of my steps, leaving imprints as I go. The scent of grassy juice permeated the area. I'm glad I'm wearing boots, or else I would probably be covered in ticks by now.
"Hmm… I don't know if I can use my magic here…" Tael muttered to himself as he scratched his chin.
I quickly turned towards him, concern plastered across my face. "Eh? What did you just say?"
Tael suddenly stopped and looked at me before quickly shifting his gaze away once more. "W-Well, it should be fine!" He held a finger up as if to imply that this wouldn't be a problem. "My firebolts may be mighty, but I doubt they can burn down such a magnificent forest!" He waved around to the trees as if to emphasize how "magnificent" they are. "Y-Yeah I was worrying for nothing! Haha!"
Tael just said something dangerous. Instead of assuring me that he had control of the situation, he instead elected to whistle, or at least try to whistle, to brush off the issue.
Suddenly, a concern arose in my mind.
"Hey…" I slowly turned my head towards Tael. "Can you... cast any spells other than firebolt?"
"Nope!" Tael quickly shook his head. "I'm a level 1 wizard after all. My magic is the most basic of the basic."
I blinked quickly for a few moments before I sighed and continued marching further into the forest.