"You can't be serious."
"What do you mean?" Jezabel asks as she removes her robe, which reveals a set of loose clothing used for exercise.
"How's this going to help?" I ask, looking down at the stack of papers in my hands.
"You know there's more than one way to win a war, right?"
"And one of those ways involves pamphlets?" Jezabel stops fixing her clothes and glares at me. "Okay, I get it. If we aren't reducing their forces, then that means we're trying to deplete their morale."
"Obviously. Now, I need you to place those up around the edge of the forest." I take the top paper off the stack in my hands and flip it over.
'Warning!
Reports of dangerous beasts have been sighted in the area. Please be advised.'
"We're trying to scare them?"
"Essentially. Just seeing these once may not be all that concerning, but seeing them plastered around the forest every day makes one uneasy. When faced with the unknown, our imagination is our worst enemy." Jezabel finishes adjusting herself and moves toward the door to her office.
"I see. This would work even better if they do get attacked occasionally," I add.
"Which we can pretty much guarantee in the Argon Forest," Jezabel responds. I examine the next page in the stack.
'Beware of Mankas!
Killing one will enrage the entire colony, so it is recommended to avoid all contact. If sighted, please vacate the area.'
"Honestly, this is probably good advice."
"Of course. This will also help inform the newer adventurers while they explore the tree line. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to exercise." Jezabel struts out of the room without waiting for a response.
"I guess it's on us now," I say as I turn to the two people behind me. Travis flashes his award-winning smile, and Josh nods with a serious expression on his face.
'Bang, bang, bang!'
The forest echoes with the sound of a hammer beating a nail. After several hours, our work is completed. The entire area is littered with pamphlets nailed to the trunks of the Mammoth Trees.
"I think that's the last of them."
"I think you're right, Nick," Travis replies as he walks up behind me with Josh in tow.
"Well, let's head back to town unless there's anything else you want to do while we're here." Given his seniority, I give Travis the chance to make a suggestion. Working with a gold rank adventurer is bound to be fruitful no matter what we end up doing.
"Now that you mention it," Travis begins. "I've been itching to check out this dungeon that you kids go to. Have you cleared it yet?"
"No."
"I'll ask my team and see if they're up for it, but the eight of us should be able to take it down, no problem."
"Yeah, that sounds great. I'll ask Sakura and Shinobu about it when we get back to town."
"Tell us about what?" The two young women appear from between the trees as if summoned to our position.
"How the hell did you find us? What, did you attach a tracking device to Josh?"
"No, but I've thought about it," Sakura responds without blinking. I glance at Josh, who begins sweating profusely.
"Sorry I asked. Anyway, we were talking about joining up with Travis's team to clear that dungeon we've been frequenting." Sakura's eyes light up at the suggestion.
"Yes! Let's do it! I'll lead the way!" Her enthusiasm makes me smile, but there are still things we need to do before making the dive.
"Travis still hasn't asked his team about it yet, and we don't have our equipment. We can't just run in there bear-handed."
"Maybe you can't, but I can." Sakura puffs out her chest, a smug grin plastered across her face.
"Those are big words, little lady," Travis laughs. "A dungeon isn't a place to fool around.
"I mean it." She crosses her arms and pouts after Travis's warning, making everyone laugh. It's nice to see a smile on all their faces during a trying time such as this.
"I hate to interrupt your fun, but I have a favor to ask."
"That's weird. Normally, you just tell me to do things." I turn around as I respond to the leader of the fairies.
"Whoa!" Travis nearly jumps out of his skin at her sudden appearance.
"Don't worry. You'll get used to it," I assure him. Inari clears her throat to grab our attention before continuing.
"Ahem, I appreciate you bringing us that equipment, but we need some instruction in regards to its use."
"Hmm, things must not be going well if you're speaking this formally. Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Just your instruction at the moment, although I appreciate your concern."
"Of course." I turn back to my team, who are standing several feet away. "Why don't you all head back to town, and I'll join you after helping Inari."
"Okay!" Sakura excitedly drags Josh away towards the palisade gate, and everyone else follows after her. I was expecting a bit of a warmer goodbye, but given the sudden change in mood, it's understandable that everyone is more solemn. Everyone except Sakura, of course.
Our journey to the Fairy Village is equally somber. Inari replies only with the bare minimum of niceties to maintain appearances. Eventually, I give up trying to start a conversation and silently follow her.
Upon our arrival, a newly constructed fortress poking out between the trees greets my eyes. The various lights around the area extenuate the bright energy bustling through the village. Hundreds of tiny wings flutter around the short earthen walls.
"Wow, you really made some adjustments."
"That's a bit of an understatement, don't you think?" I smile as Inari replies with her usual snark. The small return to normalcy eases some of the tension I feel as I approach the walls.
"By the way, where's Woohee?"
"Hmm, she should be around here somewhere."