Chapter 79 - Artificial Forest

It's not even important if this place is a real forest or not. What's important is that Ellena got to pass this practical test.

The crowd started to enter the forest lead by the observer who didn't introduce himself. Maybe he was just reluctant or he just thinks of it as a pain in the ass since he doesn't need to be known by his subordinates.

Despite it, I am kind of interested in his identity. He's a normal adventurer outside but his posture and walk are all prepared for a sudden ambush. His senses are all way up to the preparedness.

If I think of his position in the guild, he might be a gold or white gold ranker to be compared of.

Nonetheless, it was really not important.

Minutes later, when they finally entered the forest, a wide platform emerged from our field of view. There is a staircase that would bring us to the platform which is just above 6 feet.

They climbed up the platform with a dazing look, observing the area as it was mesmerizing enough for normal people.

When all of them are finally at the top, the observer stretched his limbs.

"I have a challenge for you, if you pass, I will introduce myself to you."

Everyone was silent for a moment after hearing it. The observer sounded narcissistic that thinks highly of himself.

Other participants just snorted silently after hearing the boastful tone of the observer.

I guess he really is something. People in his tier might be a thing since they have the confidence to be arrogant. However, I can't remove the fact that he might just be arrogant.

Ellena didn't make any reaction like others. I think she's way more mature than them since Ellena learned how not to underestimate people by their outer appearance.

The observer looks carefree but looking at his aura, he is not someone normal. He's above average at most.

"Well, since I already explained things to you. You just need to survive for 3 days in this forest. If someone tried to hide outside the forest, we would know since the forest has a conscious itself so don't think any funny gimmicks."

My speculation about the forest being an artifact might be true and from the observer's attitude, he is not hiding the fact.

"Then... if you are ready, enter the forest right now. Continue moving forward."

So, the woods weren't considered as the real location of the test, behind the platform is.

Ellena and others started moving calmly, entering the forest. While others are wondering and having anticipating expressions, others who are confident didn't make any irrelevant expressions and just entered the forest.

Ellena continued walking, forward and leaving others behind. When she was the already one left, she took a rest and lean on a tree.

"This is a simple test right?" Ellena asked out of nowhere, making me look at her below.

I made a short smile. "Might be. But I know your talents. This simple test to survive would be just easy to you." I said in assuring tone.

When she heard it, I notice her smiling with ease. That also made me remove my worries even there are not relevantly present at the moment.

With this, Ellena and I just enjoyed the free time and waited for the time to continue.

I should say that this place is different from other forests. Since the observer said that this place has a consciousness itself, monsters might be just in numbers and don't put much threat.

***

After few hours, the sun started to show some sign of resting. Thus, Ellena stood up and prepared her sword.

"Let's hunt. I'm getting hungry."

It is also part of the test to not bring any food with them. So perhaps, the test involves survival instincts. If you don't have any food, just hunt or find it in the woods. Adventurers aren't fixed into one place and do not always have spare food so having skill in hunting is important.

What the observer said was that survival in 3 days was not just from the threats of lurking monsters but also starvation.

People like them, adventurers always need food since their bodies are used to having a large amount of energy being used. Thus, they could get their senses out if they don't eat for 2 days since their appetite is larger than normal people who don't really use to exercises.

Ellena jumped over the branch and searched for a monster to hunt. While I also helped her with my limited abilities.

After few minutes, we finally saw a monster for her dinner. Thus, I reported to Ellena that she should be wary since the monster was C-rank and might have a pack hiding.

She just nodded and grasped the sword to her side.

I inspected the monster carefully and it was just what I didn't expect to see. It was a boar but when I first saw it, I thought it was a wolf.

Crazy as it sounds, this boar wasn't fat but fit. What kind of crazy monsters is living in this world? They are crazy!

Ellena activated her stealth ability and slowly approached the boar. When she finally had the distance secured, she used lightning to paralyze it and thrust her sword to the stomach of the boar.

The boar screeched in pain and tried to escape but alas for the boar, it died after Ellena shocked him with small electricity.

It was also futile to think of any nearby pack since this boar wasn't really a wolf after all.

And as a result, we secured Ellena's dinner with a shining victory since we got a lump of descent meat.

Ellena started pulling the boar to her side and slit the neck of it. Then, she drained the blood and opened the stomach to remove the organs and remaining blood.

It was a disgusting view but Ellena pays no heed to it. It was as if she was even enjoying it. I guess I can't really judge her likes since she's clearly beyond my comprehension at this moment.

Not just she had her personality developed in a short moment, she can also easily build an interest. For example, fighting monsters... She likes fighting monsters...

Did I just witness a birth of a maniac? I hope not. I must warn her to not do this again and I hope she does listen to me.

"Uhm... Ellena, can you stop smiling while you dismantle the boar? It's creepy."

Ellena took a pause and looked at me.

"Why would I not smile? This is decent meat that exceeds the quality of any diners I had visited," she said in a confused tone.

So... I was wrong... Thank goodness.. If she really became a maniac, I won't forgive myself for it.