Chapter 52 (1/2)
The carriage ride came to an end after two and half days of solid travel from Haramark.
According to Samuel, this was where the area of relative safety ended, too. If they wanted to continue on with the carriages, then it was indeed possible to do so, but ‘going back' would pose a serious problem; without the protection of the expedition team, the carriage drivers would not be able to escape from the danger zones by themselves.
The two drivers knew how precious their own lives were, so as soon as they received the balance of payment, they left the area, and….
”Today's goal is to get to the Napal hill! As long as we go past that, we will be at the Forest of Denial!” (Samuel)
….And, along with Samuel's urging, the group began their march towards their destination.
In the Lost Paradise, a level 1 Earthling would start as a porter almost always regardless of whether one was a Contracted or an Invited. Not because they were only good for carrying luggage, but it was actually for them to partic.i.p.ate in many different expeditions and adventures in order to learn and experience as much as possible.
That was why Seol Ji-Hu paid utmost attention to every little thing occurring around him.
‘The marching formation is arranged like a rhombus.' (Seol Ji-Hu)
There were a total of 11 in the expedition. Excluding Seol Ji-Hu and two other original residents serving as porters, the actual combat force was 8.
Right at the front of the pack stood Samuel and Grace. The Archer led the way while the Warrior was acting as his guard.
In the middle, three porters including himself, Alex, and Ian. On the left of the formation, Cho Hong, while on the right, it was Klara. It was as if these two were positioned there in order to protect the porters.
And finally, at the back it was the same arrangement as the front - an Archer and a Warrior. In other words, Dylan and Hugo were back there.
Honestly, Seol thought that the pairing of Dylan and Hugo being out in front made more sense, rather than that of Samuel and Grace. Of course, although he was curious about this arrangement, he didn't dare raise his voice carelessly.
‘I'm sure they have their reasons.' (Seol Ji-Hu)
”Now that I think about it, first time seeing your face around these parts.” (Ian)
While Seol Ji-Hu was in the middle of thinking to himself, he suddenly heard a smooth voice coming from his side. When he s.h.i.+fted his gaze over to look, he saw Ian with a warm smile slowly stroking his white beard next to him.
”It hasn't been long since I came to Haramark, actually.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”I see. You were also an Earthling, huh. You came to the city to get some first-hand experience?” (Ian)
”That's correct.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”Do you have any prior experience as a porter?” (Ian)
Seol wondered why someone as important as a Sorcerer was asking him all these questions. He was inwardly nervous, but still managed to answer honestly.
”This is my first time. It hasn't been too long since I left the Neutral Zone, actually.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”Hmm? You say this will be your first time?” (Ian)
”Yes.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”Huh-uh. You just came out from the Neutral Zone, yet already partic.i.p.ating in such a dangerous expedition as this one….” (Ian)
Ian stared at the youth as if he was completely surprised by this revelation, before walking in closer to Seol Ji-Hu. He comfortably took over the spot and leaned in closer to whisper.
”My friend, well….” (Ian)
He then suddenly lowered his voice.
‘Why is he doing this?' (Seol)
Seol Ji-Hu tilted his head slightly, but still met the older man's gaze.
”….By any chance….” (Ian)
When Ian formed a serious expression, even Seol Ji-Hu became serious as well. Could there be something dark and sinister with this expedition, a truth he hadn't figured out yet? Could he have been too rash by joining this expedition? All sorts of thoughts raced by in Seol's mind.
Ian studied the youth for a bit longer, before cautiously opening his mouth.
”Do you like t.i.tties?” (Ian)
Seol Ji-Hu doubted his own hearing just then. Grace sneaked a glance towards her back, towards Seol, and began giggling softly. Seol wondered if he was being pranked or not, but then, Ian's expression was serious….
”I really like them.” (Ian)
….His expression was not at all serious as he giggled rather slyly.
”I mean, that soft feeling when you're fondling them, or when you're busy rubbing your face against them, it's totally the greatest thing in the whole world. Don't you agree?” (Ian)
”Seol? Let's switch our position for a sec.” (Cho Hong)
Ptooi, Cho Hong spat on her hands and gripped her mace tighter. Seeing this, Ian began laughing in a jovial manner.
”I made a fool of myself. Do forgive me and let me live for a while longer, would you?” (Ian)
”It'd be better to match what you're saying and what your expression looks like, you hear me? At the bare minimum, say those words while looking a little bit surprised or apologetic, okay?!” (Cho Hong)
”Eii~ing. I see that the mood in the Paradise has worsened lately. I only meant to joke around with a newbie so that his anxiety would be lessened, you see?” (Ian)
Ian began complaining. Cho Hong was about to blow her top, but then, she heard Dylan warn her with ”Cho Hong, your temper,” from the back.
Judging from Dylan's att.i.tude, as well as how Samuel acted earlier on as well, this Ian must've been a highly respected person in Haramark at the least.
”Sh*t. Fine. Whatever, you stop bothering the kid and leave him alone. Can't you see that he's busy studying our formation?” (Cho Hong)
”Oho! Studying, is it?” (Ian)
Ian lightly clapped his hands and formed a content smile.
”You were a young scholar burning the midnight oils of academic variety, I see! Instead of helping you, I was actually disturbing you, wasn't I? Alright. Do ask me what you're curious about, and I shall answer.” (Ian)
Seol Ji-Hu was slightly apprehensive about the older man spouting some other random nonsense, but there were things he was too curious about. So, while getting mentally ready to switch his position with Cho Hong at any given moment, Seol Ji-Hu asked Ian.
”What criteria do you use to a.s.sign the positions at the front and at the back?” (Seol Ji-Hu)
Aha, Ian grinned softly with a slight nod. As there was a chance of offending some people, Seol did his best to beat around the bush, but the older man accurately grasped the actual meaning of the question.
”First of all, you're aware of the fact that, regardless of whether it's an expedition or a strategic a.s.sault mission, an Archer always take the lead, yes?” (Ian)
”Yes.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”As the lead in the expedition, there are two important things he or she must carry out. One, leading your comrades down the correct path, and two, sensing the approach of the enemy in time and alerting your team accordingly. When considering those two points, Samuel is the perfect man for the job.” (Ian)
That was what Seol Ji-Hu couldn't understand at all. Dylan was also an Archer and not only that, he was a level 5 ‘high-leveled' ranker as well.
”Samuel proceeded from level 3 Tracer to level 4 Pathfinder. His overall combat prowess might fall a little behind those of his peers, but as far as finding the right path to tread, he's among the very best. Especially if we find ourselves in a maze, or in an area still left unexplored and therefore with no paths to follow, his true value should naturally reveal itself. If Samuel is thinking of advancing to level 5 and becoming a Grand Pathfinder, his abilities should evolve even further, too.”
”Sir Ian, it seems that you've read my mind already.” (Samuel)
Samuel turned his head back and showed his astonishment.
[….when you level up to 5, the dividing line separating the lower cla.s.s and higher cla.s.s combatants, you will be asked to choose which G.o.d you wish to serve. That is the moment when the Job path you have chosen becomes critically important….] [….Think of it this way. Your Job will either evolve or become even more specialised to suit the powers of the G.o.ds you choose….]
Seol inexplicably recalled what Agnes told him a while ago.
”On the other hand, Dylan is a level 5 Arch Shooter. Simply put, he concentrated on increasing his combat potential. So, he'd display an overwhelmingly frightening prowess during guerrilla warfare, but compared to Samuel who's walking the path of trackers, he'd lose out somewhat in his ability to investigate his surroundings.” (Ian)
Ian must've been feeling thirsty, as he stopped talking there and took a gulp from a water bottle.
”Keuh. And, with Dylan behind us, he's able to give a sense of stability to the formation, too. If something happens, he should be able to figure out what's going on from there and come up with a plan to deal with it pretty quickly. If my guess is correct, Dylan will be taking the lead as soon as a battle breaks out, am I wrong?” (Ian)
”But, wouldn't there be a case where the rear is attacked first?” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”That's why we have Hugo there as protection. So? How about it? Has your curiosity been satisfied somewhat?” (Ian)
Ian winked at Seol. The youth bowed to show his thanks as his curiosity had indeed been satisfied.
”Thank you.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”Oho. You are a rather courteous fellow, eh.” (Ian)
Ian began chuckling softly.
”If you don't find this old man's ramblings boring, then I'd like to chat to you for a while longer. By any chance, how much do you know about this Forest of Denial?” (Ian)
”Actually, I don't know anything about the place.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”It's pretty simple. Any intelligent lifeform entering the forest suddenly starts to violently deny something's existence.” (Ian)
What could he even mean by that? Seol Ji-Hu's eyes gleamed brightly with interest, causing Ian to speak up with lots more energy as well.
”No one can predict what you'll end up denying, you see. It's completely random.” (Ian)
”But, if it's only denying something, that can't be a big enough problem, though?” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”That's too simple a way of looking at things.” (Ian)
Ian shook his head right away.
”I told you this, didn't I? No one can predict what you'll end up denying. For instance, what do you think will happen if you suddenly start denying my existence?” (Ian)
Seol Ji-Hu became speechless, then.
”I'm sure you'll try to kill me no matter the cost. Not only that…. What if, in the middle of a battle, you suddenly decide to deny the existence of your own weapon? What then?” (Ian)
”………..”
”Would that be all? What if you want to deny your own existence? What then?” (Ian)
The continuing chain of questions succeeded in giving Seol Ji-Hu gooseb.u.mps running down his spine.
”Did something like that really happen before?” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”The number of expeditions that got annihilated like that are far too many to mention, young man. It's to the point that the royal family almost ended up proclaiming the entire area as a forbidden zone for any type of expeditions. If it weren't for Haramark, such a decision would have been pa.s.sed already.” (Ian)
”It's a scary place, then.” (Seol Ji-Hu)
”It's definitely not a place to fool around, that's for sure. However, I've been researching the Forest of Denial for a long time. I've prepared some countermeasures, too. If my theory is correct, then the mysteries of the Forest should be unravelled by our group soon enough.” (Ian)
Although he was worried about the possibility of this countermeasure not working, Seol Ji-Hu didn't go out of his way to voice them. He thought that he shouldn't become a wet blanket so early on in the expedition.
Perhaps sensing the youth's anxiety, Ian gently patted him on the back.
”Don't sweat it, my friend! If my countermeasure doesn't work, we simply turn around and go back to Haramark. That's all there is to it. You see, I don't want to die just yet.” (Ian)
That made much sense. Thanks to Ian talking to him in an overtly friendly manner, some part of Seol Ji-Hu's anxiety had been a.s.suaged.
Ian might possess a lecherous side to him, but he was also a Sorcerer with bountiful knowledge base, as well. For someone like Seol Ji-Hu, who knew practically nothing about the ongoings of the Paradise, every word Ian spoke had the potential to become his flesh and blood in the long run.
Also, Ian knew how to spin his tales in an entertaining way, so Seol Ji-Hu completely forgot about the boredom of the march and focused deeply into the older man's stories. It felt like he had become a grandson listening to the tales of his grandfather.
As they marched on while chatting to one another, the sun slowly crept ever closer to the horizon and the scenery gradually changed. The river Rahman, serving as their waypoint until now, branched off into several smaller tributaries, while the earth became rougher and muddier as if it had absorbed way too much moisture.
Samuel stopped his steps just about then.