…
Not too long after Izroth gave the order for the 9th Division to move out, they began to head in the northwest direction.
The Realm Chart that Niflheim acquired did not have an incredible amount of details. After all, it was not easy to procure a Realm Chart of a kingdom that was not on friendly terms with their side. However, the Realm Chart did have a few key details that led to Niflheim’s suggestion.
The path Niflheim recommended required the group to travel away from their true destination, but he knew that it was worth losing some time in order to hide their approach to the Tempest outpost.
That’s why instead of going straight toward to outpost, Niflheim pointed them in the direction of a certain jungle that resided within Tempest territory.
According to the Realm Chart, the jungle stretched close to the outpost they were headed for and could provide cover for them.
In the end, it was decided that it would be better to take a slight detour than to walk around in the open and take a huge risk that they would be discovered before getting anywhere near the outpost.
At the moment, Izroth and Niflheim acted as the group’s vanguard as Niflheim led the way to the jungle.
“There is no intel on what kind of monsters await in the jungle. Although I’m sure it goes without saying, I’d like you to scan the place before we enter to make sure we aren’t caught off guard.” Niflheim stated.
“As you said, it goes without saying. More importantly, what do you think of their performance thus far?” Izroth asked.
Niflheim took a moment to ponder before he replied, “Overall, they all performed reasonably well at their given roles. Of course, my outlook is a bit more relaxed than usual considering our circumstances. But, if you’re asking whether or not we brought along the right players, then I’d say you have nothing to worry about. After all, I’m sure you’ve realized it as well—these guys have something that isn’t easy to teach.”
The fact that no one from the 9th Division perished back in the Cave Mortem Monsoon despite the abnormal situation that arose was viewed as a clear victory by Niflheim. That was not to say everyone’s performance was flawless. However, there was one important reason why Niflheim told Izroth he had nothing to worry about. In fact, in a way, Niflheim was grateful for the appearance of the area boss because it allowed them crucial insight into the players under their command. And it also showed that Izroth chose the right test method when it came to accepting members of the 9th Division.
The odds back in the Cave Mortem Monsoon were clearly stacked against them. The poor weather conditions, an angry area boss, a seemingly neverending wave of elite monsters attacking them on all fronts—it would have been difficult for things to become worse than that.
But, despite the abrupt emergence of unfavorable events one after the other, no one ran away or gave up.
Sure, there were some players who became anxious or nervous because they could not see the outcome ahead of them. But, Menerva managed to keep everyone calm and reassure them by not showing the slightest sign of doubt in the commands she gave out.
Though even with Menerva’s role of command, it would have been useless if the players themselves had not placed their trust in her, themselves, and those fighting alongside them.
This was not something easy to achieve for those with fragile wills.
“Indeed. I must admit, the two of you have quite the eye for others.” Izroth said with a carefree smile.
“Well, you did give us some time. But, for the record, it’d probably be easier in the future if one of us chooses the test method from now on.” Niflheim said half-jokingly.
“Oh? Then, should we play a game of rock, paper, scissors to decide?” Izroth asked.
“No thanks. I think I’ll retire undefeated.” Niflheim said with a light chuckle.
…
Approximately one hour later…
After traveling nonstop and increasing their pace a few times along the way, Izroth and the 9th Division finally reached the entrance of their first destination.
Before the group was a vast expanse of vegetation; however, certain parts were so densely packed together with plants that they were unable to see what was more than a few meters in front of them outside of the darkness.
Some sunlight seemed to peak through the top of the trees, but the great majority of it was blocked out by the way the top of the trees covered the jungle.
Izroth utilized his Energy Vision Sense to its maximum range to scan the jungle and immediately viewed a wide array of lifeforms.
The lifeforms he detected were small as insects and as big as monstrous beasts. But, it was not just monsters to be concerned about as Izroth also sensed active life coming from some plants within the jungle. And it was not typical of what he detected from plants that merely contained traces of mana within them.
“This place is too tightly packed together. It will be difficult to use any of the battle formations we came up with here.” Niflheim frowned.
“If it comes to it, we’ll just have to improvise. Besides, it is not densely packed all the way through. I’m more concerned about the hidden dangers lurking within.” Izroth commented.
“Did you find something?” Niflheim inquired.
“Nothing we can’t handle. However, our supports will have to remain on high alert.” Izroth said calmly.
Niflheim gave a small nod as he turned to face the players from the 9th Division and said, “Alright, everyone, listen up! We’ll be heading into the jungle. Our goal is to use it as cover so that we aren’t discovered by our enemies. As I’m sure you all can see, it’ll be a little tricky to move around as freely as we’d like; however, from this point onward, everyone will be assigned a partner. If anything happens to one of you, be it that you get separated, attacked, or anything else that falls in between, you are to alert us immediately so that we can respond accordingly. I’ll leave the pairings at Lieutenant Menerva’s discretion. Keep in mind…”
Niflheim laid down some ground rules for the division while Menerva worked on the pairings.
Then, a few moments later, they were finally ready to enter the jungle.
After receiving the all-clear from Izroth, Niflheim was the first to step into the jungle.
〈System Alert: You have entered into the «Ferae Jungle».〉
Once Niflheim walked in, he was closely followed by the other members of the 9th Division.
Since Niflheim was the vanguard, Izroth decided to act as the rearguard. As for who he was paired with, Menerva chose to place him with Bellum.
…
Several minutes later…
The 9th Division made their way deeper into the jungle as some of the players began to talk among themselves. Many of them were total strangers for the most part; therefore, it was not unusual that they wanted to get to know more about who they were partnered with.
At the same time, at the back of the group, Izroth and Bellum walked silently next to one another. And, after a lingering silence that persisted ever since they first set foot into the jungle, Bellum finally broke her silence and asked what had been on her mind since the Cave Mortem Monsoon.
“How did you know?” Bellum asked.
“I met someone like you a while back when I first signed up for the General Support Unit. Your circumstances aren’t the same, but it was similar.” Izroth replied casually.
“Who was that someone?” Bellum inquired curiously.
“The current Commander of the General Support Unit, Seraphina,” Izroth answered.
“I see. Do you mind if I ask what exactly was different between the two of us?” Bellum questioned.
“If I had to make a direct comparison, I would say one is graceful while the other is rather forceful,” Izroth explained.
“The way you worded it just now, I suppose I am the forceful one?” Bellum commented.
“No, quite the opposite, actually. You flow with your magic, allowing it to guide you in whichever direction it wishes to take you. She, on the other hand, bends it to her will to ensure that she is the one who guides it.” Izroth stated.
