When the students heard the announcement of Hinata they all froze with wide eyes. Traveling through a forest in groups of two it honestly sounds like test of courage that you play on a school trip. I wonder what exactly the reason for that is.
"There will be a time when you all will have to face monsters someday, the creatures who were tormenting humans long ago at this Academy we trained students to face these monsters and see how you all deal with them, we also test how you all work together as a group and exterminate this being. So, once a year we held these events where we test each student as individuals and as a group."
She said fluently, while calmly observing the faces of those seated before her. No one said anything after that whether it was because of nervousness or eagerness it was difficult to tell. However, the male nobles all had smiles on their faces "This is my chance to impress Lady Sofia." or "I finally got an opportunity to show off my skills." could be heard it seems they are all firing themselves up after hearing the announcement, while on the other hand the females all look extremely nervous as some had stiff expressions on their faces, Scarlett seems to be doing fine, there wasn't any sign of anxious or uneasiness present on her face.
(Umm... Alya do you know why it's called the Forest of Dreams?)
I ask internally.
-If I remember correctly that name originated from an old story in the past.
She responds eagerly. An old story you say.
-Yes, there was once a monster with the ability to put humans to sleep with an antenna on its head, it was a savage monster that loved to drink the nutrient from the body of humans, those who were its victims were all dried up and died from the lack of blood. I remember it was the most troublesome monster that existed back then eventually that forest was off limit by the public and was named 'The forest of dreams.'
She said recalling the past. That sounds like a monster you would find in a horror movie; cold sweats were running down my face thinking of meeting a monster like that no, I don't even want to imagine that.
(If there sending us inside that forest, I guess it means, that monster was probably subjugated already, right?)
-Maybe, I don't think they would send important noble children when there is danger so I'm guessing the issues has already been taken care of.
She said somewhat resolutely, your right they definitely won't endanger the lives of nobles doing so would probably be a political problem, not to mention some of these nobles are heirs to their household it would be a huge lost to the kingdom if something happened to them. But just to be safe can you keep a watch out and inform me if you sense anything strange?
-Leave it to me.
With Alya I'm sure things will be fine. My biggest problem now is going to be finding a partner. Even when I attend high school, I was bad at finding partners for group projects here it's going to be even worse dealing with spoil nobles. The nobles are all in high spirit to impress the female noble daughter. I don't have any special titles the only reason I'm being treated favorably is because they see me as Scarletts savior.
"I'm looking forward to hear the result of your effort."
She said with a bow. The entire auditorium burst into cheers the students were praising her unanimously. It's like watching a celebrity being praise by their fans, I never thought I'd see something like this ever again like when I once watched a concert on tv.
-Are you missing your old world that much?
(Of course, there is no real entertainment here, all I do is study and train these days!)
I yelled. It's so boring in the castle that each day seems like it takes 10 times longer to pass by. I sighed tiredly.
Hinata wrapped up the discussion and each class formed a line before quietly leaving the auditorium. We are now task to find a partner before the end of lunchtime as we are going to start the expedition before the end of class. The nobles were already doing their best to find their own respective partner. Scarlett and Chelsey already decided to form a team, I went towards the classroom to see any available to team up with but most of them were already partnered up already. Even Sofia has already found herself a partner.
"".... Sigh."
I let out a long sigh as I drop my head to the desk tiredly, I was never good at socializing with others. It really isn't my strong point or actually I really had no desire or intention of getting along with anyone. Back then I only cared about not standing out and living life my own way instead of walking in my parent's shoes.
"Oh, have you not found a partner yet?"
Sofia asks tilting her head to the side, strands of her light purple hair went down her shoulder with her movements, I gently shook my head with a troubled look.
"I think there is still one more person here who's still opened, you know."
She said while gazing towards the back row seats, I also turned my head following her gaze and saw a boy who was sitting alone with bright blond hair there was an extremely timid atmosphere around him or rather it was gloomier. It was son of the duke Tracy Beckett the next head of the duke household. My impression of him was completely off the mark, I still can't believe he's from a high rank noble family isn't it normal that sons of dukes are haughtier and more aggressive he's the complete opposite.
"The last time I check he still doesn't have a partner; wouldn't he be the best partner for you?"
She said giving a small wink, it was an extremely cute gesture, but I won't say that out loud. Well, despite his shyness he's still really strong from what I saw from his demonstration, so I guess it's fine. Now how should I approach him. I thought with a hum when-
"Come on let's go already."
"H-Hey I can go myself you know."
Sofia suddenly grabbed both my hands and pulled me towards Tracy who was sitting a fair distance away. He seems to have notice us approaching him as he ducks his head hiding his face behind a book. Many nobles sent us a curious gaze as from their point of view I was getting drag by Sofia who was of a high status, she was also pressed up so close to me that we were completely glued together, the females couldn't hide their inquisitiveness that was showing on their faces the males were sending me a gaze that clearly said "Go die already" or "Just jump off a Cliff" while grinding their teeth Sofia paid them no heed as we made our way toward Tracy.
"Good morning, Sir Tracy."
Sofia said before holding her uniform skirt and bowing her head.
"G-Good morning to you too L-Lady Sofia."
He returned her greeting nervously while turning his gaze to the side. Seeing him up close like this I couldn't help but think his shyness is really bad. Hearing his greeting Sofia smiled gently.
"May I ask if you still have not found a partner as of yet Sir Tracy?"
"Ah, n-no I don't have a partner."
He said holding down his face as to not meet her gaze. Did she really needed to do this I could have ask him myself you know.
-Weren't you the one having trouble on how to approach him before?
(I had it covered so it was fine)
I said internally retorting to Alya's early question.
"Oh... what a coincidence Sir Haruto here also doesn't have a partner as of yet either, I think it was destined for you two to team up."
She said smiling while chuckling to herself, 'Destined' I think saying that sound strange somehow, but he definitely would be a better partner than some noble who like to look down on those below them, so I guess this is a better option.
"R-really if Sir Haruto doesn't mind being my partner, then..."
He said weakly when trailing off. It was difficult to hear the last parts of his sentence, but I could guess what he was trying to say. With that I slowly stretch out my hand. He also timidly reaches for my hand, and we then shook hands and became partners. Now that, that's settled I guess will have to wait for the start of the expedition later.
"Shouldn't you two get to Know one another since you're going to be working together."
She said pushing my back, I sighed once before sitting on a empty seat next to Tracy, I am a bit curious about him, so I'll take this opportunity to gather some information about him. Once Sofia had left, he spoke with an apologetical face.
"I'm really sorry, I know I'm incompetent as a partner, if you want to change partnership I don't mind."
He said holding down his head while apologizing. He really has no confident or maybe his self-esteem is just really low? I can't tell but his meek attitude is not good I wonder maybe he was sheltered as a kid while growing up? I saw how skilled he is in magic maybe I just need to boost his confidence a little but, no getting involved into that seems a bit troublesome I'll just have to put up with this for the expedition I don't want to get involved more than necessary.
"No, it's fine... there is no need to worry I'm also incompetent in these kinds of things, and also most of the class already has a partner already."
I said while glancing around the class most of the students who were teaming up were discussing their own strategy for the expedition, among them Scarlett was also deciding her strategy with Chelsey. Tracy glance around the room as well and nodded his head with an apologetic face.
"Now then why don't we also discuss our own strategy?"
I ask showing a small smile. He nodded his head nervously in respond. Roughly 1 hour later we were called on the school grounds before a gate leading into the forest, the trees were thick, and the forest was dense with tree branch growing in different angles making it difficult to see straight ahead. Each student was group up in pairs of two.
The instructor had just explained the rules. They gave us magic artifact that were in watch form on the screen there was the number zero the more monsters you kill the more the number rise the team with the most number at the end of the day wins, in addition if a team were to find themselves lost or in serious danger the artifact also has a tracker in those emergencies.
With that many of the nobles breathe a sigh of relief. Students are also allowed to use weapons such as swords spears or bow and arrow if they wish, as many noble males has their own weapons. I also took a sword too just in case I needed it.
"Good luck Haruto, I don't plan on losing so get ready."
Scarlett said while pumping herself up on her right was Chelsey who also seems to be a bit nervous but excited at the same time. I showed a small smile I also don't plan on losing. Well, Alya is able to sense monsters so in my case it seems like cheating.
-Fufufu.... there is no reason to hold back what could mere monsters do in the face of our power.
She said confidently, why do I feel like you've been getting a bit arrogant lately are maybe you're always like this.
"Umm... Ha-Haruto I promise I'll do my best to not slow us down."
He said while glancing down.
"Right don't worry, besides it's just goblins there is no need to worry."
I said somewhat dubiously but I decided to show a bright smile anyway if he gets nervous, I have to be the one that maintain confidence, it would be bad if were both nervous and end up in last place. I'm a little confident my skills won't lose to goblins so it's fine.
"Now that you all know and understand the rules each of you... Begin!"
The instructor declared loudly. With that all teams took off and headed into the forest.