Ordarn Lakeside Forest.
Located about a day’s walk or half a day by carriage from Finis, this is a large forest area.
In its center lies Lake Ordarn, which is fed by the upstream Yormun Falls.
The water from Yormun Falls originates from an ancient dungeon nearby. It is said that deep within the dungeon, a magical artifact eternally spews water.
Rumors aside, it’s certain that this water contains high-quality magical energy. As an alchemist, I often visit this area.
The water itself serves as an alchemical material, as do the Round Stones we’ve been tasked to collect and the magical herbs growing nearby. These resources are vital to the livelihood of Finis.
This time, the requested Round Stones are for magical artifacts. If this problem persists, it could eventually disrupt the supply of potions and alchemical products.
For the client, this is a quest of considerable importance, rated as a C-rank task.
Though, more than likely, the actual client is the adventurer’s guild itself.
It’s common for the guild to withhold the client’s identity at the quest stage to prevent complications. As long as the guild knows the details, that’s enough.
Revealing “who wants what” can sometimes lead to problems. Unscrupulous adventurers might use this information to pressure the client or even attempt to renegotiate rewards.
Thus, most quest postings don’t list the client’s name. However, experienced adventurers in Finis can often make an educated guess.
This quest, disguised as a gathering mission, is actually a reconnaissance task, potentially involving a dangerous beast hunt.
That’s what elevates it to a C-rank quest.
It’s worth being suspicious when what should be a D-rank task is listed as C-rank.
“...So that’s the situation. Stay on high alert from here on.”
“I see. But wouldn’t this have been dangerous if taken by less experienced adventurers like us?”
“That’s probably why they handed it to me directly. Mamal’s sharp like that.”
The youthful half-elf receptionist at the guild, Mamal, has a reputation among veteran adventurers.
She has the uncanny ability to hand out difficult tasks with a smile, and her accuracy in assessing people makes her a formidable figure.
Still, her judgment is reliable, and she likely assigned this quest knowing we could handle it.
“If it gets dangerous, we retreat immediately. Understood?”
As I activated GoPro-kun, I scanned the forest ahead. A peculiar tension hung in the air, and there wasn’t a single sign of animal life.
(There’s no doubt… something is here.)
The unease must have shown on my face because Marina and the others stared at the forest nervously.
Good. A little fear is healthy. If they can properly recognize the danger, I can support them.
“We’ll be fine. I’ll cast full enhancement spells before we go in. Marina, you’ll lead, and I’ll take the rear.”
“That’s the opposite of what we did in the dungeon, right?”
“Forests don’t have traps like dungeons. Plus, beasts usually attack from behind. With Blink Shadow, I can better handle a surprise attack from the rear.”
Blink Shadow is an enhancement spell that creates a decoy to absorb the first blow of an attack.
It’s invaluable for ambushes but has two limitations: it’s exclusive to Red Mages and can only be cast on the user.
“Doesn’t that make it dangerous for you?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got solid magical gear. I won’t go down so easily.”
The bright red outfit I wore might look flashy, but it’s magical armor.
I had acquired it during my days with Thunder Pike from a treasure chest deep in a dungeon. After much arguing, I bought it outright with a pile of gold coins.
As a Red Mage’s exclusive equipment, it was cheaper than most, thanks to the class’s unpopularity.
“Is that… the Warlock Attire for Red Mages?”
“Oh, you recognized it?”
“Yeah. I’ve never seen one in such good condition.”
Rain seemed knowledgeable about my outfit.
Indeed, finding usable Warlock Attire in good condition is rare. Most magical gear from dungeons is damaged or unusable when discovered.
Repairing and restoring such items is a job for blacksmiths and alchemists like me.
“So, basically, we can leave everything to Yuke?”
“Exactly. Marina, do you remember the route to the falls?”
“Yeah, the one you explained in the carriage. I’ve got it!”
“Good. Let’s move. ‘Start Recording.’”
With the command to GoPro-kun, we stepped into the forest.
The silence felt like that of a dungeon. Marina advanced cautiously while I cast Sneaking Move, reducing the sound of our footsteps.
I wanted to add Invisible, but that spell is easily disrupted and could cause us to lose sight of each other.
We followed the river upstream, the sound of the current masking our movements. The openness of the riverbank would also make it easier to maneuver in a fight.
Despite my hopes for a peaceful journey, the beast suddenly emerged from the forest.