Rest and Urula forged ahead into the Forbidden Forest.
They stepped carefully over the damp forest floor, using magic to clear away thick branches as they ventured deeper into the woods. The dim, humid forest was so dense it was difficult to see even a few meters ahead, and an unsettling, eerie atmosphere hung heavy in the air.
"Sssssss!"
"[Wind Cutter]!"
"Ssk..."
Rest lopped off the head of a serpent that had lunged at them from the canopy above. They encountered monsters several times during their trek, but thanks to [Life Search], Rest detected them well in advance, ensuring they were never caught off guard. He methodically dispatched every creature that crossed their path.
"We’ve killed quite a few, but there’s still no sign of anything like a Diamond Bear..."
"Deeper," Urula replied.
"I see... So they live in the heart of the forest. How did they hunt the one that was presented to the Royal Palace before?"
"It just happened to appear."
"So they caught one that wandered out by chance? They must have been lucky, then."
"Guooooooo!"
"Yeah, yeah. [Earth Shield]."
"Guo...!"
A Boar Monster charged them, only to be brought to a dead stop by a wall of soil. Once its momentum vanished, Rest immediately followed up with another spell.
"[Earth Thorn]."
Several spears of earth erupted from the ground, impaling the beast's defenseless torso from below. The Boar Monster died instantly, collapsing into a heap of motionless flesh.
"Impressive," Urula noted.
"Well, I’ve got to be able to handle at least that much. We’ve been walking for over an hour now; are you tired? Do you want to take a break?"
"Mm. Yes."
"Alright, let's clear a spot."
Rest used magic to trim back the grass and pack the soil into a firm area for them to sit. He also deployed Barrier Arts to set up a monster-repelling field around their campsite. While the barrier drained mana continuously, it wasn't an issue for someone with [Infinite Mana].
"There we go... Let's take a load off."
"Mm. Resting."
"Wait—"
Rest sat down in the space he’d prepared, but Urula sat right next to him—so close their shoulders were pressed firmly together.
"Urula... isn't this a little close?"
"Mm."
Despite his silent plea for space, she just looked up at him from a few inches away. Her direct gaze and quiet pressure were enough to make Rest flinch.
"D-Do you want some water?"
"Drinking."
He handed her his canteen, and Urula took several long gulps, her throat bobbing as she drank.
"Giving it back."
"Ah... thanks."
"Indirect kiss."
"............"
Rest carefully drank from the opposite side of the canteen’s rim.
"Hmph... Meanie."
"Ahem—so, how much further do we have to walk to find the Diamond Bear?" Rest asked, blatantly changing the subject.
Looking slightly dissatisfied, Urula pointed deeper into the woods.
"One hour."
"So about an hour left... By the way, this is a bit late to ask, but why can't we just fly over the forest?"
"No. It would startle them."
"Would the Diamond Bear get scared and run away?"
"Mm-mm... The black ones."
"Oh, you mean the Black Monsters you mentioned earlier?"
"..................Yes."
After a strangely long pause, Urula nodded.
"Black ones get surprised. That's bad. They attack."
"I see. So if the Black Monsters get spooked, they'll turn aggressive... Well, best to avoid unnecessary fights, then."
Rest didn't know what kind of creatures the Black Monsters were, but their goal was the Diamond Bear. He didn't mind the weak ones like that boar, but he had no intention of risking his life against a potentially dangerous unknown.
"Sandwich."
"Oh, sorry... wait, is this an [Ogura Sandwich]!?"
Urula had pulled out a lunch box and offered it to him. It was a sandwich filled with [Anko] and butter.
"Your favorite."
"Yeah... I love [Anko]. This makes me really happy. Thank you!"
"Blush."
As Rest happily devoured the sandwich, Urula gave him a bashful, delighted smile.