After leaving the village and walking with Glen for a while, the lake we had used as our landmark on the way in finally came into view.
I had been in a frantic hurry when I first arrived, but looking at it now, the lake was truly beautiful. The water was crystal clear, and the sunlight filtering through the canopy sparkled across the ripples as they danced in the wind. The air felt remarkably fresh, and lush green moss carpeted the lakeshore, where I even spotted a few small, animal-like monsters stopping for a drink.
Despite being deep within a danger zone, the area felt strangely tranquil. Perhaps this was the true face of the forest now that the undead had been cleared away.
"Now then... this should be far enough," I said.
At this distance, I could clearly sense the location and status of the Stone Slimes I had buried earlier. Using Space Magic, I could teleport us back and forth in an instant while confirming through the slimes that no monsters were waiting at the destination.
"Wouldn't it have been easier if you'd just buried them all the way to the village?" Glen asked.
"It would have been convenient, certainly, but there were too many undead around when we first arrived."
"Ah... right. We didn't exactly have the luxury of time then."
"The next time I come, I plan to fill in the gaps all the way to the village. For now, are you ready?"
"Yeah. If any monsters try to jump us mid-trip, leave 'em to me."
"I’ll count on it. Here we go. 'Warp'."
I manipulated my mana to envelop both myself and Glen, then cast the spell. In a heartbeat, the lakeshore vanished, replaced by dense jungle. The presence of the slime, which had been so distant a second ago, was now right at my feet.
"Success. No issues. Let's keep going."
I cast the Space Magic in rapid succession. We passed through the slime beacons one after another like stops on a train line, covering the distance that had taken us hours on foot in the blink of an eye.
"Oops, a pack of Raptors is crossing the next point. Let's wait a moment."
"Man... I knew it would be fast, but this is incredible. We’re already back where those Trents jumped us, aren't we?"
Just as Glen said, the remains of the Twin Trents we hadn't been able to salvage were still lying there. If my memory served me, it was a full day's walk from here to the village. We had crossed that distance in barely an hour.
"The speed is great and all, but is your mana holding up?" Glen asked.
"It's not a problem. The repeated casting definitely eats through it, but I have a large pool to start with. We get breaks like this in between, and if I really need to, I can always pull out a Huge Rock Slime and rest. I also have Mana Recovery Potions if we get into a real hurry."
Considering the distance we were covering, the mana expenditure was well worth it. At this rate, we might actually make it out of the Sea of Trees today, even with a few delays.
"It looks like the Raptors have moved on while we were talking."
"Tch, not even enough time for a proper breather. You and your slimes are far too convenient, kid."
I couldn't tell if he was impressed or just exasperated, but we resumed our series of teleports. The next checkpoint brought us to the edge of the marshland where Glen and I had first met.
"I couldn't exactly plant slimes in the middle of a swamp, so we'll have to travel the old-fashioned way until we cross the wetlands."
Slimes would have been fine underwater, but recovering them later would have been a nightmare. Since I had buried another one on the far bank where the soil was firm, we wouldn't lose our way. Besides, if we used the boat and Slime Magic, the marsh would be easy enough to navigate.
Or so I thought, until I realized one major oversight.
"Glen... can you even fit in this?"
"If I stow my hammer, I might just barely make it? Might be a tight squeeze..."
The boat I had prepared was the same small one I used on the way in. I had managed to fit Yudum in it back in Gimul, so it was technically big enough for myself and one other adult... but Glen was far too massive.
He carefully placed one foot in to check the displacement, then proceeded to squeeze his enormous frame into the hull. He managed to sit down, but he looked incredibly cramped. More importantly, we were pushing the weight limit to its absolute breaking point.
"Well, we’re in, but I don't think we'll be breaking any speed records."
"And I can't fight like this if something jumps us. I can't even move my arms."
"If you move too much, you'll probably sink us... By the way, Glen, how did you get to this side of the marsh when you left that first base?"
I wondered if he had just run through the mud. When I asked, he looked up and scratched his head.
"Beats me. I was just running on gut instinct and mood when I ran into you. I wasn't looking for a mud bath, though, so I probably just detoured around the whole mess."
"Then let's stick to the shore just in case. We won't lose our bearings, so let's prioritize safety over the shortest path."
Glen agreed, and we set off. With the Mad Slimes propelling the boat, we didn't have nearly as much momentum as before. It felt more like a slow-moving tour boat, but it was still faster and much less exhausting than wading through the muck.
We had been attacked by a Garomos Alligator in this area before, but they seemed to prefer the deeper parts of the marsh. By sticking to the shallows, we avoided any major encounters. Even the few monsters that did sense us were spotted early by the slimes or Glen, allowing us to steer clear.
As I was feeling relieved about our progress, Glen suddenly let out a shout from behind me.
"Ryoma! Turn the boat, now!"
I hurriedly steered us away from the shore and toward the center of the marsh. As we put some distance between us and the bank, I saw a group of monsters lounging near the water’s edge.
"Ah, Shotgun Hippopotamuses..."
According to the guild reports, they weren't quite as tough as Cannonball Rhinos, but they were highly aggressive and possessed a long-range attack that acted like a biological turret. They feasted on hard-shelled monsters like Rock Fish and Spiky Snails, and since they couldn't digest the shells, the fragments accumulated in their bellies to be used as ammunition.
"Those guys scatter that crap everywhere. It’s a total pain to dodge, and if you don't, you end up covered in shit. Best to just keep your distance."
As Glen so bluntly put it, the projectiles they used were literally their own waste.
It might sound like a joke, but stone-hard scales and razor-sharp shell fragments flying at high velocity were incredibly dangerous. Being struck meant not just a physical wound, but a high risk of infection from the filth. We had pulled away in time, so we were safe, but I had no desire to tangle with those things for several reasons.
"Bigy!?"
"One of them misfired. Was that supposed to be a warning?" I asked.
"Probably. Looks like the rest of them are keeping a close watch on us too."
As long as we could see them, they could see us. One beast relatively close to us let out a frustrated cry, but since we had kept a respectful distance, there was no damage.
"No point in hunting those things if we don't have to. Let's just get past them."
"Agreed. It’ll get a bit deeper here, but let's take the most direct path across."
Maneuvering to avoid the swamp monsters, we continued our journey. Guided by the current created by the Mad Slimes, we glided through the air thick with the scent of trees, earth, and water until we reached the far bank. From there, it was back to teleporting.
Taking occasional breaks and ignoring the intermediate outposts, we pushed on. By the time the sun began to dip and the shadows in the Sea of Trees deepened, we were nearly out. We had finally made it back to the area where the first base was visible.
"Hah! We really made it back in a single day. The sun’s setting, so let's just grab a room here for the night."
"Let's do that."
We probably could have made it all the way out if we pushed, but that would just mean finding an inn in the nearest town or camping in the wild again. This was much more convenient, and it meant we could rest sooner. With the decision made, I cast a Light Attribute spell to cleanse ourselves... and we were ready.
As we approached the base, a familiar guard stuck his head out from the gate.
"You actually came back!"
"Ashton!"
"It was pure luck that I was on gate duty today, but man, I’ve been waiting for you. But... wait, we can talk later. Just get inside."
He glanced at Glen for a second but said nothing as he stepped aside. As soon as we stepped into the base, a massive commotion erupted in the nearby tavern.
"Hey, look!"
"That kid... he's alive!"
"YEAHHHHHHHH!"
"Are you kidding me? Damn it, I lost!"
"Crap! Wait, is that—!?"
It wasn't just a commotion; half the people in the tavern were screaming. However, as soon as they saw Glen walking in behind me, the room went dead silent.
"Hey, why is that kid with Glen?"
"How the hell should I know? Maybe Glen found him stuck somewhere and brought him back? Does the bet still count if he was rescued?"
"No way. Glen only cares about strong people."
"He might help someone if they’re dying, but he wouldn't play bodyguard and escort them all the way home. Besides, that kid doesn't look like he's being protected."
"Give it up. The result stands."
"Uwaaaaaaa..."
The tavern was an explosion of both joy and despair. Every eye in the room was fixed on me. Now that I thought about it, I remembered hearing something about people betting on me when I first left.
"Ashton, are those people...?"
"Yeah. They were betting on whether or not you'd make it back. And whether you'd be coming back in one piece."
"...Which side had more people?"
"It was eight-to-two odds in favor of you not coming back. For a newcomer, it's not unusual for half of them to disappear on their first run, so betting on your return was the long shot. For a kid your age, most wouldn't have even taken the bet, so twenty percent is actually quite high."
Having seen the depths of that forest, I could understand why they thought a normal child wouldn't survive.
"Anyway, I'd like to stay for the night again."
"Sure. Just talk to Old Man Stem like last time. He should be in the tavern back there. If you go grab a seat and get some food, he’ll have your rooms ready by the time you're done. My shift is almost over, so I’ll treat you to something to celebrate. I made a decent profit off you, after all."
I was about to ask if he was sure, but it seemed he had been one of the ones betting on my return.
"In that case, I’ll take you up on that."
I headed toward the tavern on the far side of the base. Even as I walked, I remained the center of attention.
"Well now, I heard a lot of noise and wondered if it was you. Welcome back."
"I've returned safely, Stem. I'd like to request two rooms for the night—"
"And get some food and booze going! I'll be sitting over there."
"—Wait, Glen!"
"Don't mind him," Stem said. "I don't know why you're hanging around with that guy, but he's always been like that."
After giving his blunt order, Glen had already stomped off to a table. Since Stem said he was "always" like that, it made sense. Come to think of it, he had been much quieter since we entered the base. Back at the camp, he’d mentioned how people swarmed his fame, so he was likely trying to avoid unnecessary interaction with other adventurers.
"More importantly, kid, it looks like you made it to Kormi Village."
"Can you tell?"
"If you'd failed, you wouldn't be standing there without a speck of regret on your face. I can tell just by looking at you. Regardless, congratulations on your first successful exploration. I'll bring out some good meat and drinks, so go ahead and have a seat."
Stem was gruff, but I could tell he was genuinely happy for my success. I went to join Glen. A few moments later, Ashton came jogging into the tavern from the direction of the gate.
I waved him over to our table.
"Kept you waiting!"
"No, not at all. But are you sure you should be here? Isn't it a bit early for your shift to end?"
"No, no. My relief showed up right after you guys came in, so I was able to clock out early. He tried to pester me for a treat, but I managed to ditch him. By the way, is it really okay for me to sit here?"
Ashton was looking nervously at Glen, but it seemed fine.
"It's okay, right, Glen?"
"I don't care who drinks with us, as long as they aren't annoying."
"Oh? Well then, don't mind if I do!"
Ashton sat down boldly across from Glen, and I took the seat next to him.
"So, Ashton's here too. Order something already."
"I'll have whatever they're having. I hit it big, so I can afford the good stuff. So, how was it out there?"
Ashton asked as he accepted a mug and a plate of meat from Stem. It seemed he was eager to hear about our exploration, so I decided to use our journey as a conversation piece over our drinks.
I told him about our progress through the forest, the state of the intermediate outposts, the marsh, how I’d met up with Glen, and the situation at Kormi Village. He reacted to every detail. He was excellent at drawing out the conversation—I’d suspected it before, but the man had incredible social skills.
"Man... you guys are absolutely insane."
"You mean the parts beyond the front line?"
"That too, but I'm talking about the food! I can understand the lodging part if you've got a Space Mage, but actually cooking proper meals, eating hot food, and drinking booze? If anyone else tried that, it would be suicide."
"Hey, don't look at me," Glen chimed in, pointing a finger at me. "The food was all Ryoma. He’s the weird one."
Despite the fact that he’d been eating his fill the entire trip, he had somehow managed to join Ashton's side of the argument.
"The food was great, no complaints there, but it definitely wasn't normal."
"I suppose I can't deny that."
"In all my years, not just in this forest but anywhere, I've never eaten that well in the middle of a job," Glen added. "With that slime bedding, it’s basically like staying at an inn, and the kid’s actually fun in a fight. Honestly, I wouldn't mind just forming a permanent party with you."
At those last casual words, the tavern went silent. Every ear in the room was strained to hear my response. In that heavy, tense atmosphere, I opened my mouth.
"I appreciate the offer, but I’ll have to refuse."
"I see. Well, can't be helped."
When I gave my simple refusal, half the room looked like they were about to fall over in shock. Ashton leaned over the table, his eyes wide as he whispered frantically.
"Are you serious, kid?! An S-Rank adventurer just offered to party with you and you said no?!"
Ashton's outburst seemed to speak for everyone in the tavern. People were nodding in agreement all around us.
"I have no doubts about Glen's strength or his track record, but I value my freedom as an adventurer."
"And I usually do whatever I want, too," Glen added. "I'm a creature of whim."
During this trip, Glen had "followed me of his own accord," so I had been the one making the decisions, but if that wasn't the case, he’d likely be the one dragging me around. He said so himself—he was unpredictable. I suppose I wasn't one to talk, though.
"Most adventurers would have killed for an offer like that... but if you're both happy with it, I guess it’s none of my business. Still seems like a waste. You're both so nonchalant about it."
"We both just want to do as we please. If our interests align again, we can always team up then. Just for that occasion, like I did this time."
"Exactly. If the opportunity arises."
At first, I’d thought I was being pestered by a strange man, but looking back, these past few days had been quite a bit of fun. I wasn't just being polite; I genuinely wouldn't mind cooperating again if the timing and mood were right.
That was the end of that conversation, but the weight of an S-Rank's words was immense. Perhaps it was because of the meritocratic nature of the forest, but our exchange had clearly left a massive impression on the onlookers. The stares were more blatant now, and the whispering among the other customers grew louder.
A few seconds later, I heard Glen click his tongue. It was a small sound, but it cut through the room clearly.
"Hey, Old Man!"
"I can hear you just fine, no need to shout. What is it?"
Glen suddenly stood up and reached into the pouch at his waist. He dragged something out—the carcass of an Immortal Snake.
"Everyone in here, drinks are on me tonight! If this isn't enough, I've got more where it came from... so quit your whispering! It's annoying as hell! If you want to talk, then start a damn party!"
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
A split second after he held the giant snake aloft, a thunderous cheer erupted from the adventurers. I hadn't expected him to snap, but I certainly hadn't seen this coming.
"Is that enough, Stem?"
"Man, how many years has it been since I saw an Immortal Snake? And in such perfect condition... The hide alone is worth a fortune."
"If the hide covers the bill, then feed them the meat."
"You got it! Hey! Someone get over here and help me move this thing!"
Stem’s voice carried over the roar of the crowd, and the tavern erupted into frantic preparation for a banquet. The Immortal Snake was carried off to be butchered and served to the hungry crowd.
"By the way, Glen, didn't you mention you were in debt?"
"It's better than drinking bad booze. I made more than usual this time, and if I run out, I'll just earn some more."
It was his share of the loot that I’d distributed earlier, so I had no right to complain, but I couldn't help but think that this kind of spending was exactly why an S-Rank was buried in debt. Still, I didn't hate the gesture.
Since some people had been kind enough to bet on my survival, I decided to look at the betting as a rough form of encouragement unique to the Sea of Trees. Since Stem and Ashton had celebrated my success, I figured I should contribute something to the festivities as well.
After consulting with Stem, I provided a large supply of fresh vegetables from my Dimension Home. When the adventurers saw the crates of fresh produce being brought out, their excitement reached a fever pitch. The spontaneous banquet that followed was the rowdiest thing I had ever seen.
Even though I was a newcomer, Glen’s trust and the sight of my "abundant food supply" served as proof of my capability, and the other adventurers seemed to finally accept me as one of their own.
However...
"Hey! Wake up, Glen! Come on, man!"
"Open your eyes! Please!"
"Forget it, he's out cold."
"The kid—no, Ryoma won!"
Several hours after the banquet began, I was standing in the center of a pile of defeated drinkers. Glen was passed out on the floor, and most of the other adventurers were in a similar state of collapse. Ashton had been one of the first to go and had already been carried off.
My head felt a bit light as I tried to remember how it had happened. In a tavern full of rough adventurers, a drinking contest was almost inevitable. Since Glen was the one who started it and I was one of the guests of honor, I’d been dragged in.
"Hey... is he really not a Dwarf?"
"I asked him earlier, he said no. Apparently his grandfather was one, but they aren't blood-related."
"There's no way. Looking at this disaster, I don't believe him for a second."
Thanks to the Divine Protection of the God of Wine, I had emerged as the sole survivor. The people watching from a distance looked at me with genuine terror. At this point, the banquet was clearly over. I strengthened my body with Qi and hauled the unconscious Glen onto my shoulder.
Given our difference in size, his feet were dragging on the floor no matter what I did, but he showed no signs of waking up, so I figured I’d just dump him in his room.
"Stem, sorry for the mess. Could you show me to the rooms?"
"They're ready. Don't worry about the mess. More importantly, kid... are you really okay after drinking all that?"
"I'm feeling it, but my speech and movement are fine. I have a blessing from the God of Wine. I feel a bit bad for the people who bet against me, though."
"Losing a bet is the responsibility of the gambler. Besides, it’s not like they’re going to stop just because they lost once."
"Is everyone here that fond of gambling?"
"Well, if you're an adventurer in the Sea of Trees, you're already betting your life every day on the chance of making a fortune. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn't like a good wager."
It was a very persuasive argument. I followed him as he led me to our rooms. I tossed Glen into his and went to sleep in the one next door.
The following morning.
"Damn... I can't believe I lost a drinking contest."
"It was a one-on-one fight at the end, Glen. You're definitely strong."
"Look... I passed out at the start... ow... why do you guys look so fine when you were drinking until the end...?"
I had woken up normally without even a hint of a hangover. Since Glen also seemed to have processed all the alcohol, we were sitting down to a massive breakfast together when a very pale Ashton approached us, clutching a bowl of soup that looked gentle on the stomach.
"I don't know," Glen said. "I've just never had a hangover in my life, even if I pass out."
"I have a divine blessing," I added, "but in your case, Glen, I suspect your internal organs are just as reinforced as the rest of you."
I’d noticed it last night. It wasn't that Glen didn't get drunk, but rather that his metabolism was incredibly fast. He seemed to absorb alcohol quickly, but he also broke it down just as fast.
We finished our meal and stood up to leave. Ashton, still looking a bit green, managed a weak smile.
"Heading out? I don't suppose you two need the warning, but... be careful out there."
"I'll be back soon. Take care of yourself, Ashton."
I was sure we’d be seeing each other again, so there was no need for a long, drawn-out farewell. We left the tavern and the base behind.
Using Space Magic, we reached the boundary of the Sea of Trees in an instant. We walked the final few meters to the edge of the forest. As we crossed the threshold, the sudden drop in temperature and humidity made me realize we had truly returned to civilization.
"Well, we're out. What’s your plan, Glen? I'm heading to the nearest town. Are you coming that far?"
"Nah. I need to sell my loot first or I won't have a copper to my name. I'm going straight to the Royal Capital."
He pointed off into the distance—not toward any town or road, but straight into the wilderness. He apparently intended to run in a literal straight line across the country.
"Well, until next time then."
"Yeah! Next time we meet, let's have a real scrap!"
I hoped he wasn't serious about that, but he might be a good sparring partner if I wanted to push my physical reinforcement. Before I could respond, he started running, only to skid to a halt a few yards away.
"Crap, almost forgot! Ryoma! Once I get some cash, I'm coming to buy some of that preserved food you have, so make sure you've got plenty! If any nobles give you trouble, just use my name! Don't let me down!"
Without waiting for an answer, he took off like a shot. By the time I opened my mouth to reply, he was already a tiny speck on the horizon.
"A noisy person until the very end... but not a bad guy."
As for the preserved food, I needed to restock what I’d used during the trip anyway, so I’d have to tell the Goblins to increase production. I didn't know exactly what he wanted, but given his appetite, "a lot" was a safe bet. I’d just prepare a large amount of everything. He had a high ability to pay when it mattered, so he was a top-tier customer.
I’d have to check with Reinhardt to see if it was okay to sell to him, though... As I started to walk, a thought suddenly struck me.
"Wait... did I ever actually tell Glen I worked for the Jamil family?"
I realized then that since our meeting had been so chaotic, I had been cautious and avoided giving specific names. Come to think of it, I hadn't even told him the name of the town I lived in.
But by the time the realization hit me, it was far too late.
Glen was gone, and there wasn't even a trace of his shadow left on the horizon.