Chapter 205: Into the Depths of the Forest

Chapter 205: Into the Depths of the Forest

The man who introduced himself as Antares wielded twin swords to clear away shrubs, creating a path just wide enough for the carriage. This makeshift trail was at a perfect distance, hidden from view from the main road, but never deep in the forest.

Once Hilda and Chris had removed the injured horse from the carriage, Antares led the carriage further down the path. He attempted to camouflage it with fallen leaves and branches, but Hilda stopped him.

“Wait a moment. I don’t want the carriage to get too dirty.”

“What should we do then?”

“Like this.”

Hilda stood next to a thick tree near the carriage, and as she gestured, the tree began to creak and change shape. It wasn’t just one tree; soon, multiple trees intertwined, forming a basket-like enclosure around the carriage.

“That’s amazing. A spiritual art to manipulate trees? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“I’m not skilled enough to be praised. I can’t use it in a chaotic battle as I am still in training.”

“Is that so?”

Antares looked surprised as he touched the wooden cage. The bark retained its original hardness, neither brittle nor cracked, just as when the trees were straight. He seemed to ponder whether this spiritual art, which could freely transform trees, might be sufficiently effective as an aid in combat. His eyes seemed to say so.

Hilda wasn’t lying. Currently, she couldn’t use her spiritual art to control trees in the midst of a fierce battle. This was evident since she hadn’t used it during their fight with the bandits.

However, to say that this trees spiritual art is completely useless in battle would be incorrect. There are many ways to use it, such as transforming trees into barricades or discreetly inserting plants into the gaps of an enemy’s fortress to cause internal collapse, with some ingenuity.

Hilda intentionally avoided revealing her hand to Antares and his companions. Being in the position of a guard, she couldn’t afford to let her guard down around outsiders.

“So, where is this place where your companions are?”

“I’ll lead you there. Follow me.”

“Wait. Isn’t it difficult to have Weiss walk through this forest?”

It was Chris who stopped Antares as he was about to lead the way. The Weiss she spoke of was the name of the horse that had been pulling the carriage. Weiss, with fragments of a shattered sword embedded in it, found it difficult even to walk. Vissit novelbin(.)c.om for updates

Although the bleeding had been stopped, forcing the horse to walk might reopen its wounds. This was Chris’s concern.

“There’s no need for the horse to walk. Leo.”

“Alrighty. Here we go.”

“Hihiin!?”

“Oh my!”

When Antares called for Leo, he quickly slid under Weiss and with a swift movement, hoisted him up over his shoulders. Hilda and Chris, who were aware since the battle of Leo’s extraordinary strength, far beyond that of a normal child, showed no surprise at his feat.

“Then, I will help as well.”

Hilda and Chris joined in, and the four of them began gathering edible plants around the fallen tree. Lieselotte seemed eager to help but was too tired to distinguish between edible and inedible plants. Hence, all she could do was look at them sadly from her spot, knowing that even if she joined, she would be a hindrance.

Leo caught a glimpse of Lieselotte’s disheartened expression so he sought to brighten the mood by finding a topic of conversation. He decided to ask about something that had been on his mind since they began their gathering.

“Hey, Miss Chris. Why do you keep wearing those huge gauntlets while gathering? Wouldn’t it be easier to do it with bare hands?”

His question pertained to why Chris continued to wear her large gauntlets. While everyone else was in light attire, her arms were heavily armored, which could be understood as part of her unique combat style.

However, for delicate tasks like the one they were doing, the bulky gauntlets seemed more of a hindrance. Why she chose not to remove them was a mystery that Leo had been pondering for a while.

Leo had posed his question out of simple curiosity, yet Chris responded with a troubled smile. Hilda and Lieselotte also appeared uneasy, as if they knew the reason behind Chris’s choice. Observing their reactions, Leo realized something was amiss; he was not so insensitive as to miss the undercurrents of their discomfort.

“Umm... Ouch!?”

“Sorry for the indiscreet question. You don’t have to answer.”

Antares delivered a light knock on Leo’s head before bowing to Chris in apology. He understood that everyone has a thing or two they’d prefer to keep private. Although Leo didn’t know, he should apologize since he had unintentionally crossed a line.

Instead of brightening the mood, Leo’s attempt had made the atmosphere even more awkward. He hung his head in disappointment but quickly turned serious and looked behind them. He was looking in the deeper direction of the forest, from which he sensed the presence of something approaching.

The group had made their way deep into the forest, deep enough to potentially encroach upon the territory of ferocious wildlife. It wouldn’t be surprising if they had ventured into the hunting grounds of such beasts. Being on guard would have been the prudent course of action.

Hilda and Chris seemed to have noticed it too, as they glared in the same direction with their hands on the hilts of their swords. As the presence rapidly approached, it began to circle the fallen tree where the group was resting.

Were they being intimidated or provoked? Just as the three of them considered taking the initiative, Antares, who had been the only one continuing to gather without concern, let out a deep sigh.

“Your mischief has gone too far, Lappy.”

“Mmm, you caught me.”

No sooner had a girl’s voice, which was devoid of inflection, been heard than the circling presence shot out with the speed of an arrow. It was a girl, even younger and smaller than Leo, who rushed towards Antares with great momentum. With seamless motion, she climbed onto his shoulder, positioning herself for a piggyback ride.

Although he had a girl strapped to his shoulders now Antares remained undisturbed and continued his foraging for plants. Once he had gathered a sufficient amount of wild greens and mushrooms, he stood up as if nothing unusual had happened.

The girl seemed to be content with her elevated viewpoint. Although she showed little change in expression, her joy was somehow conveyed through her vibrant atmosphere.

“Sorry to startle you. This is Lappy, one of our companions.”

“I’m Lappy.”

“So it is Miss Lappy, huh? Pleased to meet you.”

As the girl named Lappy waved from atop Antares’ shoulders, Lieselotte smiled and waved back. The sudden shift from tension to this lighthearted interaction left the three others taken aback.