Chapter 26

"Here it is, then."

"Hmm, it's perfect."

After riding in the carriage, spending a night in the open, and traveling for a few more hours from the next morning, we arrived at the outskirts of the Azaramia Forest.

Looking at the vast forest spread out before us, we got off the carriage and walked for about another thirty minutes.

In front of us was a cave that seemed to be hollowed out from the side of a small, elevated hill.

It might seem a bit shabby to call it a dungeon, but it's probably just right for the training of new and young adventurers.

There are apparently various kinds of vicious monsters and instant-death traps set up in the ruins, but it's a bit scary. I can really feel that adventurers are people who risk their lives to gain fame.

"Yesterday was comfortable. Everyone seems to be used to it."

"N-no! I'm honored!"

To my casual remark, Porta responded with a meek answer.

Being an adventurer is tough, as you have to camp out in the wild.

Of course, not all missions can be done in a day, so it's only natural.

Incidentally, it seems that the trainees are supposed to do the preparation for the sake of experience, and Sarena didn't do it on purpose.

I didn't do anything either because I wasn't told to. Now that I think about it, it seems quite dangerous to go on an expedition with nothing but the clothes on your back, even if it's relatively close by. I really feel ignorant and apologetic.

By the way, if the preparation is not sufficient, you have to turn back immediately.

The training is over.

If you can't make appropriate preparations based on the number of members and the distance to the destination, you're not fit to be an adventurer.

In that sense, this team apparently passed.

Sarena didn't say anything in particular, and we managed to spend the night safely.

"Then... I'll get ready..."

The five of us stood still in front of the cave.

Among them, the voice that rose was Sariqats, who was serving as the team's scout.

He glanced lightly into the cave and then touched the bracelet on his left wrist.

Looking at the bracelet that faintly glowed, he realized something.

"Is it a magical device?"

"Y-yes..."

To my question, Sariqats answered timidly.

He seems like the type who is hard to communicate with, but with kids like this, you don't push too hard or pull back too much. If you interact naturally, you can pick up the necessary conversations.

That's the benefit of experience. I'm not saying it to brag, though.

"Can you explain what kind of effect it has?"

"Y-yes..."

To my continued words, he nodded in response.

Then he stood in the center of the group and raised his left arm slightly.

"Um... this glows when there are living beings nearby... There are five of us now, including me... If there are more, the light gets stronger..."

"Ah, I see. It's perfect for a scout."

Sariqats, who is explaining earnestly despite his awkwardness.

The bracelet Sariqats has is essentially a detection device.

The closer a living being—human or monster—gets, the stronger the light becomes. If you confirm the initial light intensity of the five people, you can prepare for the approach of others to some extent.

The light is so faint that it's unlikely to be detected because of it. Anyway, you'd use a torch or something in the dark.

Magical devices are really convenient. I don't have much of a chance to use them, but I kind of want one. I can understand why Fissel is into collecting magical devices.

"Alright! Let's go! Sariqats! I'm counting on you!"

"Y-yes... let's go..."

With Porta's enthusiastic start, we entered the cave.

The order was Sariqats at the front, followed by Porta and Nidori. Sarena and I were at the back.

I noticed that Sarena hasn't been talking much since we entered the Azaramia Forest. It seems the three newbies also understand this and aren't trying to talk to her.

Probably, as a supervisor, she doesn't give advice. I think the newbies are also instructed not to rely on the supervisor.

Hmm.

In that case, talking to Sariqats might not have been a good idea. I should reflect on that.

The march of the five continued without much conversation.

The cave was filled with a cool, damp air. Mixed with the characteristic smell of a confined space, there was a faint, unpleasant odor.

"They're here."

"It seems so. Well, it wouldn't make sense if they weren't."

Lowering his voice, I muttered, and Sarena responded with a small voice.

Of course, it wouldn't make sense if they weren't. This is also to observe their combat abilities.

"What monsters are expected?"

The target monsters should have been communicated to the newbies before the training. Otherwise, they couldn't prepare.

So, it's fine to ask about this.

"Mainly goblins. Also, big bats and cave worms, among others. It's a chance to see what they can do."

"I see."

Familiar names were listed.

Goblins are a typical small species that live in forests and caves.

Individually, they're not very strong, but they travel in groups. If not handled properly, even newbies might face unexpected difficulties.

They are perfect for training.

Big bats and cave worms are, in a sense, just big bats and big grubs. They don't have any special abilities and can be dealt with as an extension of regular hunting.

I've hunted these a few times when I was in Bident Village, so I even feel a bit nostalgic.

Well, it's good that we're facing something I can handle.

Of course, I can't be careless. The important thing here is not for me to win, but to rescue them if they seem to be losing.

"Th-they're there. In the back, probably multiple...!"

"I-I understand...! Nidori...!"

"Y-yes...!"

The moment they heard Sariqats' warning, Porta and Nidori became even more tense.

Both swordsmen seem to be equipped with standard short swords. They drew their swords and prepared for combat.

Sariqats also drew the dagger at his waist and got ready for battle.

—Gyak, Gyak.

An unpleasant sound, not human, echoed in the cave.

From the dim depths of the cave, the source of the sound appeared with a vague outline.

They were about the size of a child, scrawny.

They weren't particularly muscular, and in a straightforward physical contest, an adult human could easily win.

However, their green skin, exposed fangs, and large, reptilian eyes instantly dispelled any complacency.

The representative of the small species, goblins, had arrived.

"Teacher, I know, but..."

"Sure. Let's see what the young ones can do."

I nodded in response to Sarena's murmur.

I understand. It wouldn't make sense for me to charge in here.

"Six...!"

"Three of us against six...! Let's do it, both of you!"

"Y-yes!"

The three, filled with determination, faced the monsters.

In the remote cave.

The on-site training for the new adventurers quietly began.