Leveling up the World

Chapter 277: Provisions

Chapter 277: Provisions

A distinct smell of lavender filled the air. The source remained elusive until the group made their way down and reached the start of the forest. It was then obvious that the trees themselves released the smell, which became even more apparent when the first campfire was built.

According to March, the group was scheduled to remain a week in the forest itself, hunting and getting water and firewood. Dallion asked about stones and rocks, only to be told that would take place during a later part of their trip.

Eury was separate most of the time, scouting ahead in her full hunter gear. The armor design was completely unlike anything Dallion had seen, although he could imagine it coming from her. Even so, his music skills let him know that a lot of the people were nervous when she was nearby.

As evening approached, all members of the party gathered at the campfire. Most of them were out hunting, with little success by the looks of it. The restincluding Dallionhad been in charge of chopping and collecting wood. It was a boring, though interesting experience. For one thing, Dallion wasnt used to being perfumed by a tree each time the axe hit it.

What do you think of the first day? Euryale asked, sitting down next to Dallion at the fire.

Not what I expected, he replied cautiously. In truth, he wanted to ask what she was doing with the group, but knew that doing so would likely create more questions than answers. As Nil liked to say, there was plenty of time to investigate later. For the moment, he had to focus on the goal at hand.

Its exactly what I expected, Eury said, her snakes constantly moving about. The creatures are not that much, but theyre smart enough to hide. Whatever predators there are, theyll appear after dark. And judging by the new animals in the forest, Id say this is their turf.

Dallion looked around.

You wont catch them like that, the gorgon laughed. Theyll avoid this place. Fire isnt something theyve seen in a while. Since the last expedition, at least.

Across the fire, relatively secluded from everyone else, Vend was explaining something to March. Dallion couldnt make out the words, but the emotions told him that neither of them were particularly pleased.

Hes explaining that they wont meet the food quota, Eury said, seeing what her boyfriend was looking at. The wood wont be a problem, but meat might be. Hes proposing that they search for alternatives. March is against it, of course. Shes never trusted plants in the realms.

You can hear them? Dallion sounded impressed.

No, I told her the same thing a few hours ago, and if I know Vend he also sees the danger. There was a slight pause. Well, not real danger. Rather he knows we wont be ready in two days.

So, Vend is her number two?

You can call him that. March saved him. She saved him from jail. This time, Eurys voice was low enough so that no one but people in her immediate vicinity could hear. He used to be a thief and pickpocket before joining the guild. A lot of natural awakened are in this world. However, he tried to snatch something from a noble.

There was a slight pause, enough for Dallion to give the man another glance. This wasnt the first time he heard this, but he still found it difficult to believe that Vend was a street pickpocket as a child.

Commoners cant steal from nobles, unless the nobles let them. Vend used his splitting to take a brooch from a city noble, who in turn let him do it. A few hours later, the overseer.

Why? Dallion asked.

While it might be fun for the noble, the overseer doesnt like to create precedents. An act against an active noble of Nerosal was the same as declaring war. The mirror pool was informed of the event and was told in no unclear terms what would happen, should they have any dealings with the boy. Poor boy didnt have a chance. He was delivered to the city guard by the mirror pool the very same day.

And March saved him?

Not quite. March wasnt here back then. A secret the size of a pea appeared in the gorgons head, clearly visible for Dallion to see. She visited him later and convinced the overseer to release him to the guild. Since March was an imperial soldier in the past, the overseer agreed.

Being an imperial soldier definitely had its advantages. Lately, though, Dallion had started realizing what came with the title. It wasnt just something a person could buy, it meant that the March had the skills of a minor noble, but had chosen to roam about the wilderness fighting monsters or armies of neighboring countries for the sake of the empire.

Around lunch some of the guild members started showing up. Vends speech must have been quite inspirational, because they had caught a lot more animals. Unfortunately, that meant that Agnii had to focus on skinning and food prepping, while the chopping remained all Dallions.

By evening, Dallion could barely lift the axe. Not since his first few levels had he reached a state in which his stamina wasnt enough. Facing a forest of trees clearly proved more challenging than any guardian.

A bit of help, Lux, he thought.

The firebird had instantly appeared, doing its best to make him feel better. Alas, pain wasnt considered a wound. After a few minutes, Dallion had no choice but to send the bird away and suffer in silence.

Exhaustion prevented Dallion from staying awake for Eurys return. Way before the sun had set, he was out, sleeping ten feet from the campfire spot. When he next woke up, it was mid-morning.

Crap! Dallion jumped to his feet. Strangely enough, all the pain in his arms and body had vanished.

Wonderful, isnt it? Agnii asked, pouring herself a mug of steaming wine a short distance away. You always feel fresh the next day, no matter what you do. I wish it could be like that in the real world. She downed her cup in one gulp. Would have made things a heck of a lot better.

Right, Dallion nodded with a guilty smile. Ill get to chopping.

Best thing to do. You have a bit of catching up to do, but I feel youll manage. Just one thing. Pay more attention to chopping up the firewood. Quantity is important, but so is quality.

Clearly, she had noticed that Dallion was focusing on getting things done faster than getting them done right. With that one remark, the work continued.

Focusing more on chopping and less on making instances, Dallion managed to cut up another five trees before the guild members returned. All of them were carrying a wide variety of animals: sheep-rabbits and bears mostly, but also a few birds, as well as a fish or two. All of them were skinned and sliced up by Agnii who did it with such speed that Dallion thought he was watching a cartoon.

When afternoon arrived, so did Eury. The gorgon, from what Dallion had heard, had managed to catch two large bears, which had helped with the provisions quite a bit. Seeing Dallions suffering, she had also helped with the lumber gathering. One by one, so did the rest of the party.

By the time March appeared, both wood and provisions were gathered in large enough quantities. Even so, Vend remained concerned.

Do we have what we need? March asked.

We have enough, Agnii replied. We could have used a bit more food, but we have more furs than expected. By noon we can

Itll do, March cut her short. Everyone, eat if you have to, shit if you need to, then prep up. Were heading through the forest.

So soon? Dallion wondered.

Despite her faults, of which she has many, March doesnt waste time, Nil said.

Well be heading through the forest all the way to Tear Town. After we rest, there were heading straight for the Edge Temple. Eury, youll be our eyes on this.

Gotcha. The gorgon nodded.

Dal, you and your firebird will be upfront with me, March continued. If anything unexpected happens, Ill need you to react quickly.

Yes, maam! Dallion said. This was starting to sound serious.