Side Story 27: Training in the Belzac Forest.

Side Story 27: Training in the Belzac Forest.

So, have you two asked Yorshka why were still going into this forest? If you ask me, the first thing we should be doing is reuniting with Sensei. From a survival aspect, if Sensei really did get reincarnated like in a power fantasy isekai novel, we should be staying around her to stay safe.

Shush! Shut up, idiot, I tried to quiet Daichi with a whisper, but his constant complaints ended up making me speak louder than I wanted. We were currently inside the Belzac forest where invisible giant chameleons could ambush you; the last thing we needed was to have our positions exposed so easily. We arent your errand boys, Daichi. You want more details, you ask her yourself.

Huh? You arent even a little bit curious, Tatsuya? Come on, Tamae-san and the others just got back from their trip to Cederaille, and what was the first thing they did when they returned? They dropped the second information nuke on us since that bastard of a Pope summoned us to this world.

Damn this fucking whiner!

Unable to keep my cool, my head snapped around and I pressed my finger on my lips, shushing at him while narrowing my eyes into a glare. Daichi was our partys mage, who dressed accordingly to a standard mage with his travel robes and catalyst. As the two of us were about to argue, somebody grabbed our shoulders and pulled us away from each other.

Haruka-chan is scouting ahead, the least we can do is keep quiet. Leave this argument for when were in a friendly environment, deal? It was my best friend Kyouya, clad in full armor of C rank materials that wed farmed back in Lecartiglio Duchy.

Tch, sure, got it, Kyouya-kun. Daichi agreed. He always seemed more diplomatic when Kyouya spoke with him.

With the issue settled, I sighed and went back to my post to keep a watch out for any enemies. Leaning my spear on my shoulder, I took out a leaf from my pouch and held it close to my nose before inhaling its aroma.

Oooh, it isnt as aromatic as coffee beans, but it is undoubtedly similar.

Tatsuya Coffee Boy Nagata. Ever since Id finally managed to buy a bag of fulinoe leaves from a vendor in Firwood, everybody from my party has started to call me that, simply because they thought I was addicted to coffee. Sure, its been over a year since I last had a cup of that brown ambrosia, but I managed to hold the trembling in until Id acquired these leaves. An addict wouldnt be able to do that.

Fulinoe leaves were primarily used to help mages alleviate symptoms of arcane corruption. To a spearman like me, it was rather wasteful for me to drink them all the time, but the taste of a fulinoe tea was too similar to coffee. How glad I was when Tamae and the Magical Biscuits came back and brought a pile of those leaves just for me.

I really could have fallen for our class prez at that moment, but Nishio probably would have burned me alive if I tried. Still it's not like that information was the most important part.

The information nuke Daichi mentioned was something I never would have guessed our high school homeroom teacher Saori Segawa had been transported into this world. In addition, everyone in my party, the Misfits, learned that Segawa-Sensei somehow died on Earth and was reborn into this world as a garm, a wolf-type monster, and that she was currently a B rank [Young Stygian-Scaled Fenrir].

Sensei declined to join us, because she is currently traveling with her benefactor. Dont freak out; her name is Hestia Atsuko Kargryxmor, and shes not only a dragon princess of Kargryx but also another reincarnator from Earth, Tamae informed us all. It came as a shock to Kyouya, Haruka, Daichi, and me when we heard not only that was Sensei here, but also that she wasnt coming to see us.

Dame Yorshka, the Magical Biscuits guardian knight assigned to them by the church who kidnapped us to Peolynca, also revealed she was a dragonewt and that she was the niece of this Hestia. Seeing her human body transform into a winged lizardman was a real eye-opener of how much shes been hiding from us.

Since weve been harboring a mistrust for the church of Aurena, something Yorshka was aware of, she made an effort to build what she called a healthy trust with us by revealing some of her past and her actual reason for joining the Knights of Aurena, the churchs knight order. I also made a drunken promise with Saori to protect you all when we were out drinking together with Nishio, she said with a hearty laugh.

Also, that guy who appeared in that alleyway that time was apparently Yorshkas acquaintance. That guy is an absolute troll for mentioning Senseis name without explaining himself.

After learning this, Yorshka still insisted on following our previous plan to enter the Belzac forest instead of meeting up with Sensei. Sensei said she couldnt accompany us, but that didnt mean we couldnt meet up with her. Considering that Yorshka had informed us that the Goddess of Light, Aurena, hadnt summoned us to this world, contrary to what her church had said, we needed to be with people we could trust.

As I continued sniffing the fulinoe leaf, something suddenly slapped the arm. Surprised to see somebody slipping through my detection skills, I went into a combat pose and was about to ready my pose, only to be surprised to see who tapped me. H-Haruka-chan? Why did you have to surprise me like that?

Standing before me was a petite girl with dark brown hair mostly hidden under a hood. She pulled it down, revealing two fox-like ears before smiling mischievously, showing off her two fangs. Sorry, Tatsuya-kun, I was too excited. My [Stealth] and [Presence Killer] both just reached level ten! They evolved into [Silence] and [Odorless], respectively! If you couldnt detect me despite how close I was, then I supposed they worked out pretty well!

Haruka Sakamoto, our partys scout. She was also from Earth and my classmate but after Kazumi, a member of Tamaes party, returned cosplayer-like cat ears and a tail, she prompted Haruka to follow the animal ear trend. By buying [Beastialization], you could transform yourself into a beastman or even a monster outright.

Since [Beastialization] gave the user the features and abilities of the associated beastman form, Haruka bought it with SP without hesitation. With how excited she was with upgrading her skills, her twitching fox ears really made her cute. Too cute, in fact.

D-Dammit, kemonomimi! Remember the bro code, Nagata Tatsuya! Kyouya, dont you worry, man!

Okay, anyway. There are a couple of monsters on the way. A lot of them were stealthy monsters, but I guess that is what you would expect from a forest full of experienced hunters. Only a few were the brute force kind. C rank. Haruka was mostly a pacifist, as strange as that was to say considering our predicament in this world. She vehemently disliked the feeling of guilt after ending the life of something; on the other hand, her stealth skills have gotten good enough for her to seem like a ninja.

After going to Kyouya and Daichi and repeating what she had just told me, Haruka looked around in confusion. Where are Asa-chan and Sir Elrick? Shouldn't we be sticking together to scout out the place until the others are ready?

Asaka? Well, she and Elrick went to

Hey, hey, Im back! You dont need to tell her stuff, dude! Interrupting me from saying anything, Asaka suddenly sprinted over to us, waving her hand around in a panic. With an uneasy smile, she greeted Haruka. Haruka-chan, I hope the scouting trip went well.

Lady Asaka! somebody shouted from the direction Asaka ran from. Looking over, a knight in full armor was running over to us in a fluster it was our partys guardian knight, Elrick. Lady Asaka, please, dont run ahead from me! This forest is filled with threats! I cannot do my duty to protect you if you leave my side like that!

Elrick, it was just a short distance. We were so close, we could have called for help if necessary. Besides, you know full well that I can protect myself, so stop being so restrictive, Asaka retorted. She wasnt the most patient.

After letting those two calm down, our party moved back to camp, where we met up with our five other classmates the Magical Biscuits. Yorshka was there too, telling our alchemist Tamae about the local flora. She was in her fully human form cause of Elrick, since we still had no idea if we could trust him with the information Sensei and her companions had given us.

After Haruka gave her the scouting report, Yorshka nodded to us and informed us we would be going deeper into the forest after our group had hunted down a few of the local monsters. She told us to divide into our respective parties and that she and Elrick wouldnt be helping us.

Why? Daichi suddenly asked. It seemed like hed taken my advice to heart.

What do you mean, Why? Yorshka responded.

I mean, why are we still inside this forest? If you have already forgotten, Dame Yorshka, weve fought tons of monsters while you were away with Tamae-san and the others. Weve been training a lot. In fact, the only reason why we even decided to go to the Belzac forest in the first place was because of Coffee Boy here, who couldnt get rid of his addiction to fulinoe leaves. But, now we have a ton! Daichi usually was a serious asskisser, but he also had an extremely fiery temper, making it rather fitting that he became a fire mage after we came to Peolynca.

Asaka nodded, agreeing with him. Not like I want to agree with the fire slinger, and just casually hunting is far better than doing the shitty saint candidate work in town, but do we really need to stay around here, Dame Yorshka? I mean, after all, shouldnt we be joining up with you know who? Like our classmates and other people we can trust, I guess?

My party was obviously more inclined than the Magical Biscuits to ask this question of Yorshka, since we hadnt met Segawa-sensei yet. It was surprising to hear this from Asaka, though, since she was the only one of the ten of us who hated Sensei. While us Misfits wanted Yorshka to explain herself, the Magical Biscuits were smiling wryly.

Because you five still need practice. You all suck as a party, Yorshka said bluntly, causing me to flinch back. I didnt agree with her statement. Dont look at me like that Tatsuya, I am not talking about your individual skills. You are a good spearman, and you even learned [Dragoon Jump] from me, but the five of you have no idea how to fight alongside each other as a party.

She then stretched out her left hand, showing us her five outstretched fingers, and began pointing at us Misfits. Tatsuya, you can only work well with Kyouya, but you rarely match your attacks with the other three. Haruka, you are a good scout but your fear of blood and fighting makes you a liability in battle, even against animals and monsters. Lady Asaka, you panic under pressure far too often, even though I must admit that some of it is from how disorderly your teammates are in combat; still, you need to adapt to it. Daichi OOoooh, Daichi. I know a girl far younger than you who can produce stronger flames while keeping them under control without causing collateral damage. Kyouya youre good.

Her criticism came out of nowhere. A part of me wanted to rebuke her, but another part, the part that had been fighting with these guys for almost a year now, doesnt. Our party did not meet on common ground at the start and even after we agreed to work together, we havent exactly gotten better with the whole teamwork part.

Individually, I thought we were pretty good, but actions speak louder than words. Whenever Tamae or Nishio took command, our parties were a well-oiled machine built over a year of rapport. If the Misfits worked alone, Daichi and I would only squabble, and Asaka would ignore us.

I originally thought of doing this training session in a dungeon, but I was planning to investigate the Belzac forest for a bit. Sir Elrick had already agreed to my plan, and since we are responsible for teaching you how to survive until you have fulfilled the churchs orders and can return home, I would ask for your understanding. I am doing this for your own benefit.

And with that, we departed. Divided into our two teams, we ventured deeper into the forest. We didnt move too far from each other and Yorshka made sure to keep a telepathic connection with us through [Telepathy]. We were just far enough from each other to fight our own battles.

Because of a title this Hestia person gave to them, Tamae and her party could level their skills faster and gain more experience. It sounded a bit broken to me, especially when they outleveled us by quite a bit.

Speaking of fighting and leveling, our own party was having some trouble with it.

Hey, dont attack it when Im ready to cast my spell, you dumbass! Do you want me to cause a forest fire?! Daichi shouted at me as I pierced a [Rock-Skin Horned Grizzly] tough fur. As blood sprayed out of the wound as I retracted my spear, I shouted back at the annoying fire slinger.

Yeah?! Then how about you cast your spells faster! I told you, Kyouya and I will keep the bear from coming closer while you just shoot it down with fire spells! However, we cant fucking hold it back for that long without hitting it! I shouted back.

Fuck you. Im trying to aim here, or do you wish to turn into BBQ, huh?!

Shut up! Sacred Smite! A shot of white light slammed against the bears face, dazing it long enough for Daichi to scorch its fur away with an [Inferno Blast]. With its defensive coat mostly gone, Kyouya slashed its throat with his sword while I activated [Dragoon Jump] and [Heartpiercer], drilling the bears heart out from its body.

This grizzly was a C rank monster while our party was technically D rank. The hunters guild wouldnt recommend us to fight against this thing, but we werent ordinary adventurers. Since we were [Otherworldly Visitor]s, we had access to the SP system, which really accelerated our growth. Plus, we were trained by the A rank adventurer, the White-Winged Dragoon, Yorshka.

Experience has reached multiple breaking points. [Human, Tatsuya Nagata] has risen from [Level 49] to [Level 50]

Attributes have increased due to level up

Acquired 600 skill points

Experience has reached multiple breaking points. [Human, Tatsuya Nagata]s Job [Berserker Spearman] has risen from [Level 17] to [Level 20]

Attributes have increased due to level up

Max level of Job [Berserker Spearman] has been reached

We couldnt work well together but at least we werent incompetent.

Experience has reached multiple breaking points. [Human, Tatsuya Nagata] has risen from [Level 50] to [Level 51]

Attributes have increased due to level up

Acquired 600 skill points

We spent a week in the forest, moving further and further away from civilization. Although we did find lakes on our way, we had to rely on Nishios water magic to keep up with our hygiene since spring and Amazon-like forests weren't the best combination. With how often we had to fight, body odor and toiletries were quickly becoming a problem.

Eh?! Are you kidding me, this Hestia girl is that good of a mage?! Daichi said with a surprised face. Ah, then again, shes been reborn as a dragon, right? Damn, what a cheat. Gets reincarnated as a dragon and has all these EXP boosters from her divine blessings. Shouldnt we be the damn main protagonists?

Yorshka and Elrick were out discussing something while we ten stayed at camp, cozying around the campfire to ward off the cold night. While having dinner, my party asked about Sensei and her companions, since we were too surprised to ask about it when they returned.

You know this isnt another light novel story, right, Daichi-san? With what she told us, Hestia-san and Sensei experienced near-death fights quite a few times before they returned from the Belzac forest. Reality isnt nearly as kind as most feel-good novels, Nishio replied, adjusting his eyeglasses, reflecting the fires light with it.

As we contemplated this fact compared to our own situation, Haruka suddenly mentioned something, Come to think about it, Dame Yorshka wanted to investigate something in the Belzac forest, right? This place is Hestia-sans birthplace. Maybe are we going to go where she was born?

It was a plausible guess, since Yorshka seemed pretty happy whenever we mentioned anything Hestia-related. However, Kohaku from Tamaes party shook her head. Nah, Hesti-chan was born somewhere in the mountains. Uhm, I think it should be in the northwest of the Belzac forest, if I can still remember the map. We arent getting closer to the northern swamp, so we must be going southwest.

Hmm, then where is Dame Yorshka bringing us then? If she isnt going to where Hesti-chans egg was lost, then where are we going nyow? Kazumis cat ears twitched as she mimicked a cats meow. She really was acting more and more like a catgirl Not that I minded it too much.

Still, that question stayed with me as my mind melted into the night.

Experience has reached multiple breaking points. [Human, Tatsuya Nagata] has risen from [Level 51] to [Level 52]

W-What is this?!

[I will make my introduction, children. Listen. I am the former ruler of this forest. I am the Harbinger of Grim, named by the elven children, Belzac.]

At that moment, I remembered. Sensei was also reincarnated in the Belzac forest.

My name is Anghum Wallbreaker! I am the nephew of my honorable uncle, Vulgrim Beastslaughterer! I have come to this land to seek vengeance in the name of our God Mother, Kronnaz, on the one who slew my kin! Bring him out! Bring that filth out and let me break their bones!

A towering beast clad full in armor, wielding a giant hammer. Behind him stood a small platoon of orcs, hobgoblins, and echikobolds. Using [Identify], I could see that this monster was a B rank High Ogre. A monster at the same rank as the rachonoid queen my party fought in Cedaraille.

Tama-chan! We need to move! Kohaku spoke to me, rustling my arm. Yorshka gave us the order to retreat and take out the other grimgarians. We need to get far away before the battle begins!

Y-Yeah, got it, but what about Yorshka? I asked. As the leader of the Magical Biscuits, I had to know before I could coordinate everybody.

What do you think? Of course, boss killing!

As I called over to the remaining members of the Misfits, I noticed four green big cats helping us out. Three of them looked like jaguars while the one whod accompanied us here resembled a large tiger. I suppose I should feel threatened by them, but somehow, there was a bond I could feel between us. As if we could trust each other.

As I was giving people orders, my attention was quickly pulled over by the clashing auras of the two battle titans.

I know, you want to know who it was, Anghum? A white-haired human woman in white scaled armor stood before the ogre calmly, who towered over her three times her height.

He pointed his warhammer at her, and his voice shook the air around him. Then speak, wench. My vengeance does not include you. Speak and I shall show mercy to you and your companions, otherwise

Otherwise, what? You will kill us? Hahahahaha! she roared out in laughter, showing no signs of fear of the monsters threats. Well, sadly, you will have to kill me if you want the answer. After all She twirled her spear around, assuming a combat pose. I know what you grimgarians are planning. You cannot be satisfied with simply living in the lands neither humans nor levianewts wish to inhabit. The cliffs are too high for levianewts and the area is too perilous for humans. It is perfect for a warrior race like you grimgarians.

The ogre readied his hammer, understanding where all of this was leading. A terrifying aura began exuding from the woman, causing the ogre to take a step backward.

My name is Yorshka Nordor, and my home is the human kingdom Artorias. I am not the perfect knight nor am I a good housewife for my dear family. However,her body tensedI have heard you grimgarians are trying to invade my home kingdom. You are threatening my poor stressed-out husband, my little girl, and my young aunt. I work to support my family, and while I am still alive, you will not threaten any of them! Your appointment with Ilsaphone is due, ogre!

A note from AbyssRaven

Coffee boy is back! Intermission time, people. Also, more screen time for Yorshka to act like the badass niece that she is.

If you guys want to support me, Hestia and "A Dragon Idol's Reincarnation Tale" (or just read up to 17 advance chapters + any Patreon-only chapters) please check out my Patreon: Rawr!

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About the author

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Thursday, October 14, 2021 10:48:37 PM Germany [Member of Zard Skwad]

Bio: Hey there, AbyssRaven here. I'm just an avid Light Novel and Fantasy story reader who randomly thought of a story and began writing about it.

I eventually found out that I've been spending a bit too much time with building, planning, and researching for the story, that I've decided to just share it with others.

Writing is mostly a hobby for me, but I would still love any kind of criticism to improve on it.

I'm also german, so please excuse anything that sounds a bit weird...I wouldn't mind you pointing it out though.

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