Chapter 58 Crimson Forest

Part 1: Journey to the Crimson Forest (Noon)

Aya's Perspective

Master's instructions echo in my mind as I guide Kaze through the fields, with Aeris and Media in tow. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a serene morning glow upon our little group.

"Kaze, can you handle this?" I engage in a conversation with the horse as we ride.

*Neigh*

"That's it. You're truly the steed Master needs," I commend Kaze.

Aeris, seated in front of me, finally voices his confusion, "Um, Miss Aya, why am I sitting like this?"

"Because I want us all close, including Media," I explain, feeling the warmth of companionship.

"Hold on tight, Aeris," I caution as he nearly slips off.

"I am!" Aeris assures, holding onto me for dear life.

"Tighter!" I instruct, and Kaze continues our journey.

*Kyuu…*

"Blood? Aya, your nose is bleeding!" Aeris points out, and I'm reminded of the unpredictable nature of my newfound abilities.

Lumina swiftly tends to the minor injury upon our arrival at the Crimson Forest, where the leaves cascade in vibrant shades of red. Kaze grazes contently as I prepare my sword for potential danger.

"Have you calmed down?" I ask, gauging the emotions around me.

"Miss Aya, be warned; this forest is rumored to house powerful monsters," Media cautions, her words casting a shadow over our jovial atmosphere.

"Is that so?" I add, revealing another layer to the mystery we've stepped into. "Did you realize, Miss Media, that we're in said forest right now?"

*Growl*

Monstrous treants emerge, disrupting our peaceful journey. "What now?!" Aeris exclaims, brandishing her staff.

"Be careful; they've noticed us. I didn't expect so many!" I remark, diving into battle without hesitation.

*Swing*

The treants attack, and in the chaos, Aeris becomes their target. "Aeris!" I call out, urgency in my voice.

"Kyuu!!" Lumina casts a protective barrier, shielding Aeris from harm.

"Big sister, you woke up!" Aeris rejoices, finding comfort in Lumina's magical shield.

"Shouldn't she have been awake this whole time?" Media remarks, her frustration thinly veiled.

"You did it!" I declare, my frustration channeled into swift swordplay.

*Swing swing swing*

"Hmph!" I express, easily dispatching the relentless monsters.

"Behind you, Aya!" Aeris warns, but it's too late.

*Thump*

I'm knocked into a tree, cursing my own perceived weakness. "This is too much. How can there be so many?"

"Lumina, don't heal me! Just focus on the barrier," I instruct, determined not to burden her.

"Kyuu!" Lumina acknowledges, concentrating on protecting us.

"Galefoot Enchantment!" Aeris enchants me, granting an otherworldly agility.

*Swing swing swing*

With newfound grace, I dance through the onslaught, swiftly cutting down the monsters.

"Growl…"

"Miss Aya, they keep coming back. There's no end to them," Media warns, frustration evident in her voice.

"I see the leader controlling them!" Aeris identifies the source using her magical senses.

"That's too far. If I use my new technique..." I hesitate, realizing the potential consequences.

"Well said! Activating Kasai no Ichi - Fire's First Form!" I announce, sheathing my sword and focusing on the distant leader.

*Dash!*

"I got you!"

I slash at the core of the monster, generating fire that cuts through the creature and its summoned minions.

*Clank*

The leader and its minions fall, but not without consequences. "Ugh!" I wince, feeling the burn on my hand from the intense technique.

"I guess this was too much, but I can still move. Master was right to warn me not to use it," I reflect, grappling with the aftermath of my actions.

"We won, but Miss Aya!" Media points out, noticing me on my knees.

"Your hand, Miss Aya, it's burned," Aeris observes, concern etched on his face.

"This is nothing. I can still fight," I reassure them, picking up my sword despite the lingering pain.

"Stop! Why are you doing this?" Aeris pleads, trying to halt my determination.

"I have a mission..." I admit, a mix of resolve and desperation in my voice.

"Don't push yourself too hard, Miss Aya. I don't want anything to happen to you," Aeris cries, desperately wanting me to stop.

Aeris hugs me from behind, and Lumina casts healing magic, slowly easing the pain.

*Pat*

I pet Aeris's hair, appreciating the warmth and care within our makeshift family.

Part 2: Crimson Forest (Afternoon)

After a brief respite...

"This should be the place." Media studies the map and notes, her eyes narrowing with determination.

"The light comes directly here without any shade. It fits the description, right, Miss Media?" Aeris, ever observant, confirms our location.

"There it is! I present you the high-grade Crimsonroot!" Media triumphantly reveals the bright red roots she carefully pulls from the ground.

"Is it really that valuable? It looks like any other root, just red," I question, curious about the significance.

"This thing alone can feed a family of four for five years." Media proudly declares, and I can't help but appreciate the true value of our discovery.

"Kyu…" Lumina, seemingly oblivious to the importance, drools at the sight.

"Don't eat it, big sister. It's worth too much. Mother will get angry," Aeris scolds, preventing Lumina from making an impulsive move.

"Now we should be able to make the Crimsonroot Elixir," Media rejoices, her excitement evident.

*Step step* The sound of approaching footsteps catches our attention.

"Both of you, behind me," I assert, taking a protective stance in front of Aeris and Media.

Four adventurers emerge, and I sense a potential threat.

"Oi, oi, don't be so wary. We're adventurers, just like you. Good guys," one of them extends a hand in an attempt to ease the situation.

"Never thought there were a bunch of women grouping together. That elf looks pretty," another comments, eyeing Aeris lewdly.

Aeris instinctively hides behind me.

"Are you trying to pick a fight? If that's what you want, I will cut you all down," I warn, my patience wearing thin.

"Huh, what are you saying? Don't get cocky just because you have a sword," an adventurer retorts rudely.

"I don't even need a sword to deal with the likes of you," I state, assessing the situation and the intentions of the newcomers.

"You?!" The adventurer feels ridiculed by my confidence.

"Now, now, as respectable adventurers, we don't fight each other," another adventurer suggests, eyeing Media's bag containing the valuable roots in an attempt to ease the tension.

*Stare*

I catch the subtle focus on Media's bag and the Crimsonroots within.

*Whisper whisper* The adventurers exchange hushed words.

"Sigh, fine. Let's not fight and get along, alright?" The first adventurer concedes, signaling an end to the confrontation.

"Hmph! Let's go," I decide, having had enough of their presence and eager to leave the forest.

We make our way back to the entrance.

*Swish* A dagger is launched towards me.

*Thonk* I block the attack with quick reflexes, using my sword as a shield.

"What's the meaning of this?" I demand, addressing the sudden betrayal.

"Tch! Your paralyze dagger isn't working, brother!" The first adventurer expresses disappointment as I successfully deflect the attack.

"Paralyze?!" Media exclaims, surprised by the revelation.

"I'm nice, so just give us the roots, and we'll let you go," the third adventurer demands, aiming to exploit our vulnerability.

"Well said. You better give up, or something bad will happen to your friends, especially that elf," the second adventurer threatens, clearly targeting Aeris.

*Hide*

"...Aeris, go with Media. I'll be back in a few minutes," I instruct, urging them to find a safe place.

"But-" Aeris starts to protest.

"Go now..." I insist, and they all leave, leaving me alone to face the threat.

"Hey, hey, so someone wants to be a hero?" the first adventurer provokes, attempting to unsettle me.

*Thunk* I throw my sword, ready to teach them a lesson.

"Like I said, I don't need any weapon to beat all of you," I declare, adopting a stance and recalling the teachings from Sakuya.

*Crack crack*

"Are you serious?" The first adventurer is visibly shocked.

*Bam* I quickly close the distance and throw a punch, landing it deep into the skull of the first adventurer.

"That one's down," I declare, lifting my fist triumphantly.

"Kenjutsu form the Unarmed Blade!" I continue, parrying an attack with my bare hand against the second adventurer, who is shocked that their sharp blade is blocked effortlessly.

*Crack ching*

The strength transfers back to the blade, breaking it.

*Splash*

"Ah..." The second adventurer feels a sharp pain in their chest.

"This person is serious! Let's get out of here," the third adventurer decides, wisely choosing to flee.

"Hey, wait for me..." The first adventurer limps away in pain.

What a bunch of idiots. If they were to encounter Master, they wouldn't even have a chance to say anything. Their heads would already be on the ground.

"Miss Aya, I'm thankful you're alright," Aeris expresses, relieved to see me in good condition.

"It takes more than them to hurt me," I proudly assert, strengthened by the knowledge that I am indeed stronger than before.

We make our way back to the manor, our adventure in the Crimson Forest coming to an end.

Chapter 58 End