Chapter 81: Improving

"Then, let's start with hunting some monsters," I said as I glanced at the map I carried. The forest was vast and full of unknown dangers.

But danger meant the potential to become stronger. After all, how could one become stronger without putting oneself into dangerous situations?

[There are a few places I've noticed,] she said, her voice thoughtful. [They're not marked on the map, but I've sensed strong presences there—likely the territory of powerful monsters. If you're looking for a challenge, those places might be worth exploring.]

I nodded, tracing a few points on the map where the terrain seemed more rugged, more likely to be home to the kind of creatures that would help us both grow. "Let's start with these locations," I said, pointing to a spot not too far from our current position. "It's marked as a rocky outcrop, and if I'm right, there should be some beasts hiding in those crevices."