72: Patrol

Leaving town, Hari stopped by the guards to let them know we were heading out on patrol. It was then that I learnt another group should already be on their way back from patrolling the forest’s edge, and unless something had delayed them, we’d likely pass them within a few hours.

 

The guard also suggested we speak with them about what they’d seen or encountered so that we could all stay better informed and avoid getting caught off guard.

 

Which, thinking about it, made complete sense.

 

The land between the town and the forest had been mostly cleared over decades of logging. It left a wide-open buffer zone between the settlement and the treeline. In the end, it didn’t take us long to reach the forest’s edge, and as a group, we set a slow pace, riding along it.

 

It was a strange feeling. The woods looked so peaceful—so calm—but I knew that not far inside, there were creatures of nightmares… and riches.

 

Then I paused and couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

 

Riches…

 

Even now, I could hardly believe where I was, what I was doing, and how much I had. Not even two months ago, the idea of earning two coppers a week excited me. Now? I didn’t even know how rich I’d be if I just sold everything in my storage.

 

As we rode, I decided to activate Arcane Foraging on and off. I used it in short bursts, searching around for anything that stood out from the dull blue glow that marked most things in the forest. So far, there was nothing unusual.

 

An hour into the ride, I spotted something odd.

 

“It looks like there’s a blue mass just inside the forest up ahead—kind of like what the Galvonson looked like in the cave,” I said to the group.

 

Hari pulled up his horse, and the others followed suit. He asked Liane to scout ahead, and after I pointed out where I’d seen it, she slipped into the trees and vanished.

 

We waited several minutes before Liane reappeared.

 

“It looks like the carcass of a large rock boar. Seems fairly fresh,” she said, re-approaching the group.

 

“Any idea what killed it? See anything else?” Hari asked.

 

“No. The forest is unusually quiet in there. The boar looks like it was bludgeoned to death by something. Its head is a… well, it’s a mess.”

 

“Hmm. Okay—everyone be on guard. That boar didn’t just die on its own. Trevor, I want you riding on the far side, away from the forest,” Hari ordered.

 

Just like that, we rode in formation, with Hari riding closest to the forest’s tree line. Liane had gone back in to scout the woods as we travelled, and her horse was tied to mine.

 

We rode like this for at least two hours before spotting another group approaching from the distance. When we met, Hari and their leader dismounted and greeted each other. I noticed that even while talking, both of them kept a wary eye on the forest.

 

“Any trouble on the path?” I heard Hari ask.

 

“A little bit of activity—nothing too dangerous. We’ve spotted several Phase Spiders, so just be mindful of that. How about yourselves?” the man replied.

 

“Nothing at all, honestly. There was a bludgeoned rock boar about two hours south of here, but we couldn’t find what caused the disturbance. Other than that, we’ve not run into anything,” Hari explained.

 

“Nothing at all? That’s a relief. Maybe the monster swarms are finally coming to an end,” the man said with a sigh.

 

Hari didn’t look convinced. “I’m not so sure. It was a large carcass, and something had done significant damage to it. Just be careful—it was still a fresh kill, and not far from the forest line.”

 

“I see. Thanks for the warning. We’d best get moving. Best of luck to you and your team, Hari,” the man said, returning to his horse.

 

“And to you as well, Adam. Enjoy your rest when you get back to town,” Hari replied, mounting up again.

 

And just like that, we parted ways.

 

We didn’t have a particular end goal to reach before nightfall. Hari said he’d rather take it slow, so we didn’t miss anything. I continued using my Arcane Foraging, but nothing stood out. I did manage to snag some lemon tea grass along the edge though. Despite Hari’s protests, Jen ended up winning that argument by pitching the benefits of speed buffs.

 

It was late afternoon when Liane emerged from the forest again.

 

“See anything?” Hari asked immediately.

 

“No, it’s been very strange—there’s a lot of activity in there, but it’s all actively avoiding the edge,” Liane said, glancing back towards the trees.

 

“Fear of adventurers, or something?” he asked.

 

“No… I don’t think that’s it at all. I saw a couple more carcasses—not as fresh as the boar—but all bludgeoned to death in the same manner,” she said, concern clear on her face.

 

“We should be careful when we set up camp. Something’s not right,” she added.

 

Hari just nodded.

 

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Liane didn’t return to the forest after that. Instead, she rejoined the group, and we rode for another hour into the late afternoon before deciding to stop.

 

I watched as Milo created the shelter, and what he formed this time resembled the reinforced structure we’d used on the mountain, rather than the standard one we normally used on the road. Once the horses were settled into their section with food, water, and a quick brush down, I got to work on dinner.

 

I was sitting at 9 out of 10 for my evolution quest—and I was incredibly excited to see what I’d get.

 

I was trying to decide what to cook when I spotted the three Wind Hawks Liane had collected a while back. Part of me wanted to cook the Galvonson, but honestly, I didn’t even know where to start with something that massive.

 

I pulled out the three birds, wondering how to prepare them. First, they needed to be cleaned.

 

Once that was done, I started contemplating how to proceed. I remembered that in the past I’d used fire salts as a rub on the outside of meats, so I decided on something similar here. I mixed a little of the ground Blood Tears, some dried Virfolium, salt, and pepper, and rubbed it into the skin of the birds.

 

Next, I took out the Dawnroot. I knew its value now, but I really wanted to try it. So I used just a little—three thin slices, one into each bird—hoping that would be enough to impart its buffs.

 

The last thing I wanted to try was using some Ironwood in the fire with Crisplet. I didn’t know if it would work, but it felt worth a shot.

 

With the birds skewered onto iron spikes, I placed them near Crisplet’s fire and explained the goal to the little elemental. I received a burst of bright sparks in response.

 

I had no idea what the results would be, but I’d chosen ingredients known for their regenerative qualities. That was what I was aiming to pinpoint—what caused the regeneration, and how much was needed.

 

While the birds cooked, the small space quickly filled with a wonderful aroma. I pulled out some of the dough I’d purchased and began portioning it into ten rolls.

 

“I’m surprised you brought that,” Jen said, settling in nearby.

 

“Oh? Why’s that?” I asked curiously.

 

“You said if anyone helps you during the cooking process, you can’t infuse it—right?”

 

I sat there, stunned for a moment, with a roll in my hand. How could I have been so stupid? I’d been so excited to infuse the rolls, but of course it wouldn’t work. The bakers had kneaded the dough.

 

“I wasn’t thinking…” I said sheepishly. Jen and Liane both let out a laugh.

 

“Well, if anything, it’ll be a good test—because technically, the baker didn’t cut or cook anything, right?” Jen said.