Chapter 49: Varian Forest

Dialogue "sample"

Thoughts 'Sample'

Techniques [sample]

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Chapter 49

The Varian Forest

It took them almost an entire day of traveling to reach the Varian forest. They had left the academy early in the morning and by the time they arrived, it was already getting dark.

However, the trip was very fascinating for Siegfried. The method of transportation for the thirty-seven students (thirty from the high class and seven from the elite class) was a magical vehicle created by a collaboration between Artifact Artisans and Rune Masters.

It had a cuboid shape, with six big wheels that were powered by mana stones. The insides were divided into two sections, the front section contained the cabin, where the driver and assistants were located and the other section was for the passengers. The design was similar to the carriages used by nobles but on a much grander scale.

The artifact was big enough to accommodate all of the students and three professors, with places to spare. They called it the "Mana Spinner"

"Why are we still using carriages and horses if we have this?" Asked Siegfried as they got down from the device.

"I asked my father that after I saw one of those things for the first time. He told me that there are very few of those in the entire state and they are not for sale." Answered Edward.

"Of course, they are not for sale!" Iria interjected into their conversation with great passion. "There are only three of them, here in Aglioso. The rune work to create them is incredibly complex! Only Master Barret is able to make them and he is a very busy man."

"That is absolutely true!" The voice of their headmistress appeared from behind.

"By the way, Miss Monet forgot to mention that it was I the one who designed and created the structure of the vehicle."

Iria got very flushed. "H-Headmistress! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to skim over your achievements! I just-"

The Headmistress, Arabella Aston covered her mouth with elegance as she chuckled. She seems to enjoy getting a reaction out of her students.

"Do not worry about it, Miss Monet. I know how focused you are on learning runes. I have heard many good things from Professor Salomon. I expect great things from you in the future."

"Auntie, are you going to give us the details about this hunting thing? The pamphlet didn't have any details."

"Do not call me auntie during academy time! I am your headmistress." She pointed her finger at him in a menacing manner but there was no real hostility behind.

"As for the details about the hunt…you will have to wait, like everyone else. We will reveal everything soon enough."

"Gather around over here, everyone" Professor Olivia Sinclair, the mana-gathering teacher, called the students. She was one of the three professors to accompany the students. And the last one was…

"Come closer already you brats!" Professor Garret shouted.

"Yes, as I was sayi-" Professor Olivia could not finish her sentence when Garret spoke again.

"That way you can truly appreciate my beautiful muscles!" The professor said while flexing his giant biceps.

"Ignore this idiot and come over here." Professor Olivia said with exasperation.

The students approached Professor Olivia while trying to stay away from Professor Garret, except for Hilda Vance who actually took the offer to approach him and admire his muscles.

"Why did he have to come?" Wondered Charles Artois.

"Is not just him…" Iria moved her gaze to Headmistress Aston and then to Olivia Sinclair.

"Professor Garret, Professor Sinclair, and Headmistress Aston are, by far, the most powerful Magus in the academy and are definitely a the top of the entire State."

"They want to make sure that the students are safe." Their eyes turned to Siegfried as he spoke.

"My guess is that they are planning on setting up some perimeter and prevent any beast deemed as 'too dangerous' from entering, in order to protect the students."

"That would make sense." Said Edward. "I read a bit about this forest and there are supposed to be some very dangerous ones in the deeper areas."

"Alright, everyone!. I want a bit of silence!" Called Professor Olivia.

They were all standing in a clearing, the three professors were in front of them, and behind them, was the forest they came to visit.

"For those of you who have never visited this place, this forest must look very generic, you won't really notice anything special about it, right?" Professor Oliva asked. Most of the students nodded, the forest really looked very normal to them.

Siegfried stared at the threes with an intense gaze. He could not see or feel anything special either, but his instincts were telling him that this place was dangerous.

"There are several things that make this place special. To begin with…the forest is a lot bigger than you think. It is believed to be twice as big as the entire State of Aglioso." Said Olivia.

"I say that it is "believed" because it has never been completely explored. The deepest parts of the forest have been declared as a "Forbidden grounds" and no one is allowed in there, no matter how powerful you are."

This got the student's attention.

"A forbidden ground?"

"Does she mean like the like the Klaive Plains?"

"Is it really that dangerous?"

"Why would the Professors bring us here?"

"Now, calm down, everyone" The Headmistress spoke. "It is true that the deepest area of the forest is like that. But you will only be staying close to the outer border, the dangers there are quite minimal."

"You grunts don't have to worry about the part of the forbidden ground. That area is at least fifty miles deep…and none of you would make it even one-tenth of that…the ranked beasts living in here would rip you apart." Said Professor Garret.

"I feel so much safer now." Commented Edward.

"The other thing that makes this forest special." Professor Olivia continued. "Are the many stories about it. Let me tell you the most important one and the one that gave this forest its name…"