145 Dead Woods (1/2)
Following the lead of Braiden, the rest of the participants quickly made their way to the closest edge of the woods from Lunar City. Like the rumors, the forest was made up of completely leafless, white wood trees. Locals named these White Witches. While some of the trees were pitch black in color, named Black Night trees. In a way, the aesthetic of the forest was beautiful. Yet, at the same time, it was eerie and foreboding. The most dangerous part were these trees actually. The branches of the white trees grew sharp branches that could cut a person if they did not walk and dodge cautiously. While Black Night wood contains a naturally produced paralyzing poison which would leave people stranded in a forest in the freezing weather with no way to call for help or move. These victims would either die slowly or get eaten by the magic beasts who live in the woods. White Witch wood was also known for its sturdy yet lightweight characteristics which make it a prime material to make arrows. This commodity allowed the Snow Country to create some trade routes with the Elf Empire. Black Night wood is does not have a real aboveboard marketability, however, the black market is always teeming with this wood. It is the main ingredient in lots of poisons and even poisonous weapons making. Generally, only a small group of magic beasts lived in these woods as they were able to resist against the harsh conditions. However, this place was now teeming with captured magic beasts. If a participant was lucky, they could come across an already dead magic beast as there was no rule stating that the magic beasts could not fight and kill one another. Also, if their previous habitat was nothing like the Dead Woods, they might not be able to persist in such conditions.
Looking at the environment, Greyson did think it was an ideal place to choose for an exam. Without the usual leaves and dense coverage of a thriving forest, the space felt more open and would be harder for any magic beast to hide itself. However, magic beasts would not just lie in wait to be killed. If someone tried fighting and chasing one down, they would also have to pay attention and be wary of the branches surrounding them. It's a game of dodging while hunting. Actually, Greyson did not feel too much fear towards such circumstances. It was not blind confidence, either. When he activated his dragon bloodline, it was very hard even for the White Witch wood to cut him. His light element would also be able to help him ward off the effects of the Black Night poison. The only problem was that it was hard to maintain such states. Therefore, he decided he would hunt in spurts and would find a relatively open space to take a break. Compared to others, he already had enough advantages. Wasting them all by just charging in recklessly would just be ridiculous.
”Alright! It is right about time to start the test. At this time in three days, the test will end. I expect you all to be punctual. Those who arrive late will not have their accomplishments counted and will be automatically forfeiting this competition. I would recommend getting all your hunting done the night before so you can comfortably arrive before the time limit. That is all.” Braiden kept an expressionless, straight face as he spoke. Looking to the side, he nodded as a gesture to signal the person standing in front of the bell. Saluting, the man swung the rope and a long, loud clang resounded throughout silencing the group. Afterwards, it was like slight chaos broke out. Everyone pulled on their groups members and scrambled into the woods hoping to quickly find magic beasts. Greyson looked on calmly as he approached at his own pace. Not too long after, he heard some cries and shrieks of pain coming from the people rushing in unprepared. Tsking, Greyson did not understand why these people rushed in if they had no understanding of the Dead Woods.
Circling around the White Witch tree in front of him, Greyson decided to test it. Lifting his finger, white scales popped up on the skin and his nail grew longer, sharper, and curved into a talon. Pressing his finger onto the tip of a branch, the scales remained undamaged, but Greyson could feel the sharpness. If he did not have the scales, the branch could just stab right through his finger if he was not careful. Finding it shocking, Greyson's eyes actually lit up with happiness. Flipping his hand, Genesis appeared in his palm. With one clean slash powered by the wind element, his sword sliced right through the trunk. Touching his necklace onto the now-cut tree, Greyson collected the wood. Repeating these steps, not just with the White Witch trees but also the Black Night trees, he continued hoarding a decent amount of materials. Although he could not do it right this moment, having such great arrow-making materials would be useful for later.
I mean, the Moon Empire is basically allowing us to stay here for three days with no restrictions. Leaving without these expensive and rare materials is like wasting their goodwill, no?
”Hehe, Greyson, you are more wicked than you look. Obviously, all the other participants are probably too busy working to find magic beasts to try to cut down trees and collect materials. That's why there are no rules against it.” Theo chuckled happily from atop Greyson's head while he watched his friend's actions.
”It's an oversight on their part. It's not my fault.” Shrugging, Greyson did not put much thought into it. They could not really penalize him, at least not publicly.
Just then, Theo's ears twitched slightly and looked towards the right.
”What is it?” Sensing the movement, Greyson also turned to look but there was nothing in sight.
”A friend!” Smiling, Theo hopped off Greyson's head onto the ground and bounded away in the snow. Greyson was only able to keep track of him due to his golden fur that contrasted against the white snow. Afterwards, Theo suddenly stopped and made some squeaking noises. From within the snow, a cute small white head of fur popped out. It was another mouse, a Snowfur. These Snowfur mice were rather low-level beasts that were weak and really only useful for their cute looks. However, there small size and white fur allowed them to peacefully exist within these Dead Woods and they thrive due to the small number of predators.
A little conversation ensued between the two small magic beasts. Almost like old friends, they were happily squeaking away with each other. Feeling slightly impatient, Greyson cleared his throat as if to remind Theo of his presence.
”Ah! Grey, my buddy here said he can lead us to the magic beasts that recently arrived!”