A week has pass by and my injuries already healed up. And now, the three of us are having combat training with Mirada as the request I ask for her when I got injured. Though the two ask (forced) me to having them join in this training, they seems to be useless in combat. Though I had this coming.
"C'mon!! Get up! Do you think your enemy will let you rest like that!?" (Mirada)
She shout to the three of us who was lying on the floor with beaten bodies. Though we only uses practice weapons, the impact we got from Mirada's swing is no joke. No wonder she got the title hell instructor from the newbie soldiers in this fort. We borrowed the fort training area after the head teacher's consideration and the lord commander's approval. It seems that the lord commander of the fort is really looking forward to our growth with Mirada's tutoring.
"Don't worry… if you get heavily injured, I'll be on standby to look after your wounds. And to mention that this will be a good training for Eli who is excels in healing magic." (Trysia)
Trysia too is with us right now acting as a healer for our injuries. Though she didn't join the training, I felt like she's giving us a mental training with her words alone. There were gazes from the soldiers who was observing from a safe distance. The look in their eyes just gave us three the pity with the training we had with Mirada. Though they quickly runs away after being seen by Mirada who look more like a lioness than a Warcat. Man this is brutal training!
"Again!!" (Mirada)
(twack!!)
After our training, we went to our office to do some paperwork like we done before. Though the three of us look more like a zombie rather than students that the others avoid their gazes and their distance away from us.
"Why did I felt like I'm becoming more like you, Reed…?" (Elise)
"Welcome to the club… though you guys are the one who wanted to have the training together."
With my reply, Elise breathe a heavy sigh then wipes her eyes that was in tears. Soo pitiful…
"Don't worry Eli… with this, we will get stronger and will not be a burden in the future. Isn't that right, Reed?" (Saraha)
I don't know how you will lift your friend spirit with those dead fish eyes, Sara… though its good that she was positive with this. While walking on the hallway, we stumble with a bunch of students that was working in the administrator were talking in groups.
"Do you hear? Prince Remort manages to slay three boss monsters yesterday! All of them were rank 3 monster!" (elfien student)
"Yea! As expected of the prince! Ahh.. I wish I could be in his group…" (female student)
"And Dorth also! The knight commander son will soon be appointed as a knight! Talking about taking his father footsteps!"
Praises and admiration came from the mouth who was grouping up to talk about the prince and his entourage achievement. But as soon as they saw us walking pass them, their mood suddenly went sour.
"Ugh… its the failed group…" (ferlien student)
"Quite down! Don't get involved with them. I hear that they pull some strings to get the head teacher to give them an easy time and being put in the administrations duty in this pass few weeks…" (female student)
"What? Thats cheating! But they had that bastard with them though… how repulsive!" (dwarfien student)
Though they were whispering with each others. I could still hear them talking shit about us. And whats with the string pulling!? Its not like I did something to make our group to be treated like this. But saying this will only makes things worse, so. I just gonna-
"Those bastards…." (Saraha)
Whoaa! That some serious ominous aura that Sara is letting out right now. I quickly pat her shoulder to calm her down.
"Eh?" (Saraha)
"Calm down… let the rat squeak as they were. Theres nothing that we could do about it."
"S-sure…" (Saraha)
Phew… it seems that she regain her calm. But is it me, or she a little pink right now than her normal white skin.
"Stop! What are you thinking by touching a female body without consent!?" (Elise)
Elise breaks of my hold on Sara's shoulder and separated the two of us. Whats wrong with this girl. Though I wanted to ask her for her purpose, but it seems that we caught unneeded attentions with the peoples around us. Thus, we continue to walk towards our office.
Reaching our office, we were greeted with Carste, the fort main secretary.
"Ah, Ser Forham… I've been expecting you. Uh.. It seems that our Captain really did a number on your group with her training, is she…?" (Carste)
"It cant be help. Its the only way we will grow to adapt. And thanks to Miss Trysia and Eli, we didn't suffer any heavy injuries. Though I couldn't say the same for our mental state…"
The Secretary gave an awkward laugh after hearing my remarked. Even the two seems exhausted and went towards their own chairs after greet the Secretary with a zombie greeting.
"So, what can I be of assistance, Mr Secretary?"
"Yes… it seems that the Lord Commander wishes to speak with you. If you be so kind to follow me?" (Carste)
I accept his invitation after giving the two a nod. Though they look more gloomy after hearing that I will not be joining them to deal with the paperwork for this afternoon. But I cant reject the Lord's Commander orders, aren't I?
I followed the Secretary to where the Lord Commander was waiting for me. It seems that he had another place to had this meeting. Along the way, I ask Carste for the reason I was called.
"Ah that… I cant say for sure, but it seems that the Lord Commander didn't convey to me the reason. Though I seems to be urgent." (Carste)
Hearing those reply from the Secretary just makes me even more curious as to this sudden talk. After a long walk, we reach to the top floor of the fortress where the birds eye view was. There were many stairs I passed by to reach this place. If I'm still in my old stamina, I think that I might pass out already.
"The Lord will be at the ramparts. I'll take my leave now." (Carste)
I thank the Secretary as I walk by myself to the ramparts where the Lord Commander was standing with the head teacher.
"Reed Var Forham has answer the call!"
"Ah yes.. Come here." (Varos)
The Lord commander gesture his hands to came beside him. Though he had a trouble look on his face. But not just him, even the Head teacher was having the same expression.
"Whats seems to be the trouble, my lord?"
"I want to talk about your father, Lord Ruald. A massage just reach me this morning telling that he was heavily wounded after an unfortunate accident happens while he was on a battlefield." (Varos)
"What!? impossible!?"
How!? Ruald is an exceptional warrior and not to mention, a powerful figure. His skills are no joke! The heck!?
"Please calm yourself down first, Reed." (Regor)
"How could I calm down!? That old man is my father! Don't joke about him!"
"As much as I wanted it to be untrue, the message that came to me this morning was engraved with his captain seal, Ser Grom, your father second in command and our comrade. You do remember him, don't you?" (Varos)
Ser Grom Alkey, our knight retainer and also Ruald's second in command. According to Reed's memory, he's a trusted man and Ruald's battle companion. If he's the one who sent the message, it surely be the truth. But still…
"How can a man that was known to be the strongest commander be heavily injured?"
"It seems that Your Father's camp were attacked by an unknown forces while he was commanding the troops. His camp almost annihilated if not for his bravery." (Varos)
"An unknown forces? Not the Empire?"
"Rather than an unknown forces, the message says that it was a group of monsters in rampage state. I already dispatch the academy best healer after receiving this news." (Regor)
The head teacher grip his fist as he said those words. I do felt he was worried about Ruald's wellbeing.
"If only I could go back to the battlefield with him… Damn my knees!" (Varos)
I do heard stories from Trysia that Varos and Ruald were best friends in battle. But after having his knees injured by a freak accident, he was sent to this fort to become the Lord Commander for his outstanding performance in the past wars. He was reluctant about this though. But because of Ruald's request, he accept the fact that he was not on his prime state and had to retire as a fort commander.
"It seems that I wasn't the only one that was troubled with this news. I apologize for loosing my cool earlier."
"Its fine, young man… though, you really doo change than the last time I met with you. No wonder Ruald was excited to sent me a letter telling that his prize son had been changed to the better. HAhahahahahaha!!" (Varos)
Uwaa…! That laugh….
"Can you keep it down with the laugh, Varos? My ears were about to rupture…" (Regor)
It seems that the head teach too had some discontent to the Lord Commander's loud voice. Noticing my gaze to him, both of us let out a sigh. But because of that, it seems that I regain my cool for a bit. And after hearing the head teacher had dispatch healers for Ruald, I only can put my trust on them for Ruald's wellbeing for now.
Returning to the office, the two who was left behind are already became corpses.
"I'm dying…. I want to sleep…" (Elise)
"...." (Saraha)
You guys… though its not their fault for becoming like this. I should teach about handling the paperworks before. To get my head sorted out, I do their work like a madman and finished it before nightfall.
"I guess thats it. We can go back now, guys…"
"I'm sorry for putting the burden on you again, Reed…" (Saraha)
"No worries… its good that you still alive right now. But I cant say the same for your girlfriend…"
Both of our eyes set down towards the body of Elise who was dead tired are now looses all of her womanly charm had become a lying living corpse on the floor. Sara then help her up and carry her out of the office toward their quarters. It seems that they had to skip dinner because of this, with me as well…
.................................….
Its the final week for the practical examination here in the Strumphaun Fort. Most of the students here already went through a tough experience as to combat and management skills. Thanks to the teachers and officers that was task to guide the students, there were a significant trouble arise aside from small accidents that happen time to time. The most unfortunate accident that happen was the time when our group was attacked by the Lotord's Queen Variant. But after that, it seems the safety measure was raise to not repeat the same incident to happen again. All of this thanks to the head teacher and Lord Commander.
(ROAR!!)
"Oi Reed!" (Mirada)
"Got it!" (Saraha)
A boar like monster that had a size of a minibus is charging towards me with great speed. This monster was the Orotg, a beast type monster about rank 2. Though it was charging towards me, it was stop by Saraha who was acting as the tank for our group manages to block it.
(bang!)
"I'll support you!
Elise who was with the guidance of Trysia had manages to learn some support abilities and now casting a barrier for Saraha. Seeing the corned Orotg, I rush to the side and pull my bowstring with an enchanted arrow with the mark on the eyes of the Orotg.
(swosh!)
(ROARR!!)
The arrow met its mark and the Orotg lets out its last cry as it slowly falls to the ground. With Mirada's tutoring and my marksman ability, it make short works to kill a rank 2 monster with just one attack. This too thanks to Saraha and Elise's support also.
"Good job everyone. Don't forget to harvest its material." (Mirada)
Harvesting monster material is common in this world. monsters material are useful to the usage of everyday life. Like the meat will be used for foods as for the hide and tusk were used for creating armors and weapons.
"Too bad the eyes were crushed to the point of nothing. But still, a good hoard non the less…" (Mirada)
"I'm sorry alright! Its the only way to put this thing down with one hit."
The three of us works together to dismantling the Orotg. It was quite brutal on the first time we were told to dismantling a monster. But with practice, I could say that we doing a good job with this.
"Uhmp… I still cant handle the blood even though it was green…" (Elise)
Elise grumbles as she tries not to vomit because of the bloody mess. Saraha seems to be alright though. This must be because she's a vampire and handling a bloody mess is normal for her. After taking the necessary parts from the Orotg, we then continue to search more monster to subjugate.
With the coordination of our group and the tutoring from both Trysia and Mirada, the hunt was successful. Monsters like gobblers that was rank 1 and Oruk rank 2, were no match for our group. There were some Minion Lotords and Boruk Giant Bugs that like an overgrown beetle with spikes on its shells that we had encountered, but they were still no match for our group though these monsters were rank 3-4. The Lotord's Queen Variant seems to be rank 5 after apprised by the inspector that was working in the fort. The inspector who's Mirga was surprised after finding out a student defeated a rank 5 monster alone and fervently asking me to register with the hunters guild (same as the adventurers guild). He only stopped after knowing that I'm the Forham son and heir with a disappointed face. Though I quite curious about the guild. Maybe I should register after all, its common for a noble to become a hunter.
After the hunt had finished and my item box were full, we return to the fort in the evening with a satisfied heart.
"It was quite fun, hunting monsters." (Elise)
"Yea… it seems that our failure had been redeem with this! It felt good after slaying several monsters." (Saraha)
Uh hu… those two seems to be in 'good' spirits, but somehow had a dangerous vibes around them. I glance to Mirada to stop those two dangerous conversation but she just smile smugly while walking beside me. Ahh… she useless. Thats right! Trysia-
"Now, now… you both still need to step up and slay more tomorrow alright?" (Trysia)
"Yess~!"
The two answered Trysia with excitement. She too was a lost cause…
"Huh? Whats going on?" (Mirada)
When we reach the fort entrance, the place looks kinda in an uproar. There were soldiers station outside the drawbridge and some officers looks to be anxious. One of the Officer noticed our group and calls to Mirada.
"Captain Mirada! Its a relief to see you here…" (Officer)
"Whats going on here, Knight Vaner?" (Mirada)
"Theres trouble it seems… there been reports of a 'dungeon' appearing deep In the forest and several students had been missing with their overseers since this afternoon. Ah, your students were called to report In the courtyard also." (Vaner)
"Alright. Reed, you and the others go to the courtyard with Miss Trysia first. It seems that I was needed here." (Mirada)
The four of us went to the courtyard after separated with Mirada who looks quite alarmed after hearing about the 'dungeon' appearing deep in the forest. I too was alarmed when I heard it. According to the game, there were no event like this. There were dungeon appearing in the middle of the game, but this is nuts! Its just the beginning of the game time-line and its already appearing. I had a bad feeling about this…
"H-hey… did I mistakenly heard the Officer says 'dungeon'?" (Saraha)
Sara who was walking closed to me suddenly grab my hand as she said those words. When I looked to the face, it seems that she looked scared and having a cold sweat.
"Whats a 'dungeon'?" (Elise)
She ask Trysia who was walking in front of us.
"Its nothing… don't mind about it. I'm sure the soldiers and officers will handle those things…" (Trysia)
What? Did Trysia just swipe Elise questions? Why did she didn't answer her?
"Reed. Go and give the materials to the inspector first, I'll bring the girls to the courtyard." (Trysia)
Is It me, or she seems to be out of the ordinary all of a sudden? Anyway, I separated from them and went to the inspector to give our subjugation materials.
"Whohoo…! Its Ser Forham! Had you slay any Variant monsters earlier?" (Mirga)
"Calm down man… here is the material that we had this afternoon. Can you appraise them?"
"No worries! And did you heard about the 'dungeon' appearing deep in the forest?" (Mirga)
"I did. It seems that its appearance cost the fort In quite the uproar."
"Sure it is! Do you know that we as a hunter are happy when the appearance of a dungeon appear? That place is a goldmine for our guild! This is a historical moment for this decade!" (Mirga)
This dude is really excited aren't he?
"What do you mean a historical moment?"
"Don't you know? The last known dungeon appeared was a hundred years ago from what I heard stories from the guild seniors. To think that I will had the chance to get inside of it!" (Mirga)
"Please keep your excitement to yourself, Mr Inspector… and how are our haul?"
"I had appraised them. Its already being recorded. And please reconsider registering to the Hunters Guild again, Mr Forham! Hehehehe…" (Mirga)
"S-sure… I'll keep that in mind…"
After bidding my farewell to the weird fellow, I went to th courtyard where the students were told to check in as per the Officer's words earlier on. There are some students currently loitering around while talking to each other while the other had gone back to their quarters.
"Reed! Over here!" (Elise)
Elise waved her hand to call me towards her and Saraha near the porch.
"Where's Miss Trysia?"
"Oh, she said that she had something to do and left the two of us here. Anyway, look at my score!" (Elise)
She showed me her emblem with the number of 300 marks on them. No wonder she was cheerful like this. Considering this score, she easily be the top 10 students for this examination. After congratulated the happy go lucky girl, I turn my gaze towards the other person who had a gloomy mood.
"And why aren't you joining your friend there?"
"Reed… aren't you worried about the appearance of the 'dungeon'?" (Saraha)
Oh… is that why she's acting like this?
"I did. But its not our business for that matter. Our practical examination will end in the end of this week and we will return to the capital."
"But still… I had a bad feeling about this…" (Saraha)
It not just you though. I had the same thought as well. But considering that its already happen, might as well see this through. I hope nothing bad will happen before we get back to the academy….
....................................…
In the morning of the next day, the students were told to gather in the courtyard and the practical examination was to be postpone. It seems that 10-15 students had went missing with their teachers and officers since yesterday. It made the students quite in shock after hearing this news. But with the head teacher's words, the students were shut and listen to his speeches.
"And as for that, the Academy will work together with the the Fort's Army to conduct a search for these students and teachers. Those groups who had the highest mark will be the leading party to conduct the search with the cooperation of the Elite Knights of this Fort. I too also participate with the teachers with your students!" (Regor)
"Ouhh!!"
The head teacher's reassuring remarked lifts up the morale of the students and they seems to be excited as well. But what is this bad feeling I felt since this morning…?
"Ohh…! Its the Prince and his group!" (male student)
"Kyaaa…!! They looks soo dreamy….!" (female student)
"With the prince as our leader, we will surely be safe!" (student)
"Ser Dorth! Look at me…!" (female student)
Praises flew from the students towards the stage where the Prince and his entourage was standing. It seems that their group popularity is quite high. I can only imagine if I was the one on the stage right now, surely will receive only cursing and spat. But I'm not an attention seeker like those shitty brats.
"Thank you for selecting me for representing the students body, Ser Torda! I, Prince Remorth Varo Araiel will lead the the students to find our lost schoolmate!" (Remorth)
The students cheers with high spirits after hearing that bold statement. I was quite annoyed by that but it didn't bother me too much, just felt annoyed.
"See him acting like that just makes my stomach turn… how audacious." (Saraha)
It seems that Sara had a different thought about the Prince, just like me. Though I happy someone shared my view, but still…
"Now, now… don't say that. What do you think if the other student hears you said that? Anyway, where's your girlfriend?"
I did meet up with Saraha this morning and we are staying together as a group, but Elise weren't with her. I forget to ask her this earlier since I thought that she just late. Thats why it only came to me now.
"About that-" (Saraha)
"And we welcome our new member for our group, no! Our party! Miss Mevera!" (Remorth)
What!? After hearing the Prince's remarked, I quickly turn my sight to the stage and find Elise was with them.
"What is the meaning of this?"
"Thats… I don't know..! she suddenly got called by the teachers this morning while we still in our quarters." (Saraha)
I don't know why, but I felt anger swell inside me as I watch Elise is standing with the shit entourages on the stage.
"Reed, your hand is bleeding!" (Saraha)
I didn't realize that I'm gripping my fist until it bleeds. Saraha quickly grabs my hand and hold it tight. Wait? Why did I felt a sudden rage by this? If that what she wanted, isn't it alright? Not that our fighting capabilities drops if she left our group. Me and Sara will be enough to deal with rank 3-4 monsters all by ourself. Elise only acts as our support before.
"Its alright… I'm fine."
"You don't looked 'fine' to me. Let me see your hand." (Saraha)
It brings calm to my heart for Sara to be worried about me. I let her see my wounds as she wipes the blood from my palm.
"I'm sure she had her reason, Reed… Eli is not that kind of a person, I know that…" (Saraha)
Though you said those words to me, but why are you frowning like that? Being betrayed by your friend isn't the best feeling in the world, I knew that well. Seeing that she's about to cry, I pat Sara's head with my other hand as she treats the other while the students still cheering for the Prince and his entourages. I feel nausea for some reason….
.................................…..
We went to the forest to search for the missing students and teachers. We were told to act independently with our respective group like we always do. Since this is a joint cooperation between the Fort Armies, our group was accompany with several soldiers and 2 Knights.
"Phew. No wonder you can slay the Lotord's Queen and survived. With skills like this, it wont be long for the both of you to be knighted." (Karin)
The knight who spoken was Karin, an Ferlien descends with red yellow hair and a tan skin. She praised me and Sara who takes care the Orotg with ease without needing help from the soldiers.
"Tell you the truth, Reed alone was the one who slay the Lotord's Queen. I'm just a burden that time and didn't even had the strength I had right now to help him." (Saraha)
It seems that Saraha still had that thought with her and tells the soldiers the truth.
"Really!? Then, you must be stronger that you showed, Lord Forham.." (soldier)
"Bahh! I'm sure he just got lucky with it." (Jod)
The knight with a foul mouth was Jod, he seems to be the fan for the Prince and didn't hid his displeasure to be task with our group.
"Now, now… don't disrespect this young man, Jod. Who knows, he might be stronger than the Prince." (Karin)
"Tsk! Leave the monster for the back to collect! Dammit… If only I was task with the Prince's party. Damn that busted knee old man…" (Jod)
There were another groups behind us that was task to collect any monsters materials that was killed. Though this will be separated from our achievement, it didn't make me pleased at all. But alas, our mission is not to subjugate the monsters. Its to find the missing students and teachers.
After an hour of searching, we met up with a strange monster with grotesque appearance of mix flesh. Our group takes a distance from the unknown monster as we tried to appraised the monster.
"What is that?" (Saraha)
"I don't know… I haven't seen anything like that in my life. It looks humanoid, but the parts were mix together. Stay on your guard." (Karin)
All of us nod in agreement. But one shit person suddenly step in front of our formation.
"Its just a lowly undead! Why are you fools looks soo amazed for? Charge!" (Jod)
"You fool!" (Karin)
The shit of a knight just charged towards the unknown monster with his blade. The other under him follows him from behind as they throw their blows toward the fleshly monster.
"Hahahaha!! Its not even attacking! Lets kill this thing!" (Jod)
"Yes Ser!!" (soldiers)
While they having the time of their lives by attacking the unknown monster, it suddenly lets out a piercing scream.
(screechh!!!)
"Wha- argghh!!!" (soldeir 1)
One of the three that follows the stupid knight suddenly scream in pain. The unknown monster started its retaliation by puncture the poor soldier's stomach with one of its hands.
"The he- argghh!!" (soldier 2)
Another one was thrown away by the Unknown monster's leg and crushed to the trees.
"Shit! Everyone, charge!" (Karin)
With Karin's order, we surround the unknown monster with two of Karin's soldiers. Both me and Sara went towards the monster's back and wait for Karin's words.
"Be careful with its limbs! It seems docile but its attack can knock you out even though you are wearing armor. Reed and Saraha, don't charge to it until I give the word!" (Karin)
"Yes!"
The both of us answer her command as we watch they tried to attack the Unknown monster. Karin and her subordinates seems to be quite skillful in working together unlike the Jod. But even with their numbers, the Unknown monsters seems to be standing on its feet without having any trouble handling the soldiers. Then it came to me. There were monster in the game that had high physical resistance and the soldiers haven't use any magic to attack it. Its just a hunch, but its better than nothing.
"Karin! Pull back! Let me attack the monster with magic!"
Hearing my proposal, Karin nod for her approval and tell her man to bet back. I hope this works.
"
I conjured a fireball a size of a fist and cast it towards the Unknown monster's back and explode.
(ROAARR!!!)
Yess! I was right! The monster took quite the damages to that tiny fireball. Seeing my attack works, Karin conjured a large fireball with a long chant and direct it towards the Unknown monster.
(ROAARRR!!)
With that, the Unknown monster roared its last breath as it was burned by the flames from Karin's spell.
"Don't celebrate yet! Check the wounded! And Jod." (Karin)
She went towards the petrified Jod and punch him in the face. The dude was thrown away because of that mighty punch. Nah, he just thrown about a feet or two.
"Your recklessness had cause casualties to our group! Even if you are a knight with the same rank as I am, you shouldn't act on your own! Take your wounded and go back to the fort and report back to command!" (Karin)
Jod who was punched by Karin showed a sour expression as he spat on the ground. He showed a little defiance toward Karin who just told him to return to the fort but stopped after sensing Karin's bloodlust. Like a wounded dog, he and his men left our group with while muttering something.
"I'm sorry that you had to see that. Thanks to you, we manages to slay this Unknown monster, Ser Forham." (Karin)
"Its nothing. And please stop with the honorifics, Karin. Reed is fine."
"Huh? You different than what I heard about you Ser… Reed. Want to fetch a drink with me after all of this is over?" (Karin)
"Please don't raise any flags, Miss knight…."
She laugh as we continue our search. The Unknown monster was left for the back unit to investigate as we went back to our tracks. But still… what is this uneasy feeling I felt? I hope nothing bad is about to happen…
(the same time in a different parts of the forest)
"Kill it!!" (soldier)
"I'm trying!" (other soldier)
"The hell is this thi- argghhh!!!" (almost died soldier)
(Remort group had encounter with the Unknown monster with numerous numbers. The Prince's party was accompany with several Elite Knights and 3 squad of soldiers. Though even with their numbers, the party was hit hard by the Unknown monsters as their numbers dwindle bit by bit.)
"We need to retreattt!!!" (Elite knight)
(one of the elite knights propose a retreat seems that it was the right thing to do within their position. But Remorth was reluctant to follows the request as he gazes upon his downed party members behind the unknown monsters.)
"Dammit! I cant abandon my friends!" (Remorth)
"Theres nothing we could do now, your Highness… your safety is the priority as now. I'm sure they will understand…" (Elite knight)
(pressured by the Elite knight and his own livelihood, he orders the company to retreat while took a glance towards his downed friends.)
"I'm sorry…" (Remorth)
(as the company retreats, the Elite knight check their tails to make sure that they weren't followed by the monsters. Returning back to the downed Prince's party, the Unknown monsters lifts the dead bodies of the soldiers as well as the unconscious students. One of them, is Elise….)