Chapter 83.1 - The First Year at the Academy - Fierce Warriors (1)
With their weapons in hand, Ted and the others advance through the forest.
The formation is led by Gemma, followed by Ted, Lola, Nails, and Elliot. It's a formation designed to protect Lora while moving forward.
I keep my distance from Elliot and follow along, not planning to intervene unless the situation calls for my help.
My earlier warning wasn't an empty threat. I didn't intend to help unless they fought formidable opponents, whether they understood that or not.
While searching for materials, Lora looks around in all directions.
The appearance of the forest is completely different from the early summer during the previous outdoor training period.
The foliage has disappeared, and fallen leaves accumulate between the trees.
"I can't seem to find anything…"
Lora mutters in frustration.
Ted and the others are also searching for materials while remaining vigilant, but they haven't found anything yet.
I frequently dive into the forest, so I have a rough idea of what they can find in the shallow parts. I could tell them, but it's still too early.
They should try their best on their own for now.
Then, around noon, Lora exclaims, "I found it!" and rushes over.
It seems she has finally discovered a Solgrio tree. Although the number of fruits is considerably fewer compared to its peak, there is still a decent amount.
Now they have one material for the alchemical solution. Since Lora has already learned [Create Solution], she can create the alchemical solution if she obtains Lanium Grass. However, at this time of year, there won't be many young leaves, which are the necessary materials. If they're lucky, they might find some.
Lora stretches her hand eagerly and starts collecting the materials.
Nails helps her. While Ted and Gemma watch with relieved expressions.
"What are you guys doing?"
Both of them turn their bewildered faces toward me.
"Don't let your guard down. You're here as guards."
Ted and Gemma quickly scatter, but Nails, who was helping with the collection, is at a loss.
"What should I do…?"
"The lookout is fine. Help them over there."
"Y-Yes, understood."
Upon receiving the instruction, Nails returns to the side of Lora to resume collecting.
He's intelligent but lacks a bit of initiative. Ted and Gemma are much better at taking the lead.
By the way, Elliot has been silent.
He should have understood his role since he experienced being a guard during the previous field exercise period.
Perhaps he entrusted the decision to me because Lola is present.
If it were just the academy's way, he would lead, but he can't face her parents who helped him if someone were to harm Lola.
After a while, Lora and Nails stand up.
They managed to collect around twenty fruits.
If it were a request, 40 fruits would yield 12 large copper coins.
So selling them would fetch around 4 to 5 large copper coins. That's not a bad start.
Lora happily stores the Solgrio fruits.
But her expression reveals signs of fatigue.
Ted is the one who notices it.
"Shall we take a break?"
Ted's remark made everyone else notice Lola's fatigue.
They immediately agreed.
Just then, Lola stumbled and sat down.
It seemed like she wasn't only tired but also tense.
I handed her a water pouch.
While Lola quenched her thirst, Elliot took out his water pouch and passed it to everyone.
Nails replenished the consumed water.
We waited for Lola to recover. We sat and rested in the winter forest.
We engaged in casual conversation, but Ted and the others scattered around Rola, occasionally glancing toward the forest. Ted hadn't given any instructions. Each of them acted spontaneously, observing the positions of their comrades. Compared to the previous term, they were superior to the academy students.
I expanded my [Presence Detection] to scout the surroundings while listening to the chitchat. After a while, we ended the break, and everyone stood up.
Lola seemed to have fully recovered.
I could continue watching over her, but it's time to lend a hand.
They can't make the concoction with only the Sogrio fruits.
"From here on, I'll take the lead."
I announced abruptly, and an atmosphere of discontent emerged from Ted and the others.
Did they think I was giving them a failing grade?
"Don't misunderstand. I'll help with the material search. Even if you know them after processing, you've probably never seen them in their natural state. I'll continue to handle vigilance and combat."
Ted and the others seemed to understand and nodded, while Lola looked visibly relieved.
"Well then, there are materials right beneath your feet."
Everyone looks around at the ground in amazement.
Yeah, they wouldn't notice it. Two years ago, Danil told me about it, but I couldn't find it. I can't say I'm a big fan of it.
I moved closer to Lola and pointed directly down.
"This thin withered stem is the marker."
Ted and Nails crouched down and squinted at the stems.
"It's a stem, right?"
"It's a dried-up stem."
Ted and Nails poked at the stems.
Rola leaned in from above and murmured, "Oh."
"Could it be the roots?"
"Correct. That's Faral grass. It's a little late in the season. But it won't affect its properties. They don't recommend the winter collection because the stems disappear and become hard to find."
"Faral… it has a sedative effect, right?"
"That's right. It can be used both individually and as an additive. The concoction is also simple, making it suitable for beginners to practice."
"I'll try digging it up."
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