Capítulo 12: 12. Into The Dark Forest.
Aaron returned his gaze back to Aurora as he replied to her question. "Maybe you're right. Maybe I am trying to prove something to myself, but I won't sit around and allow the next beast tide to arrive when we least expect it to. The Dark Forest is indeed dangerous, but it has the herbs we need for you to brew long-lasting potions and it also has enough mana crystals to help improve Glimmer's strength."
Aurora sat back in her seat as she listened to Aaron's explanation. It was common knowledge in this world that mana crystals were important items to help magical beasts grow, but they were extremely difficult to find, even in places with a high density of mana.
"So, do you really think the three of us can gather enough herbs to reclaim the farmlands?"
"Yes, we can. Also, we have to, because reclaiming the farmlands will help us restore the food production in the barony. And once this is secured, it would certainly boost the morale of the people, along with the injured Knights and your people who are seeking refuge here as well."
Aurora's hands slowly curled into a fist after she heard what Aaron said.
Ever since she arrived here, she had been worried about her people. She was their princess, and as their ruler, it was expected of her to ensure the safety of her people, but for the past few days, she had been noticing how hungry her people had been.
The amount of food in the capital wasn't enough to take care of everyone, and Aurora had been worried about how the people of the town would survive before the next beast tide occurred, but if Aaron was really intent on reclaiming the farmlands, then she would do her best to help him reclaim it.
Aurora slowly stood up from her seat again before looking at Aaron. "Very well, I'll accompany you and Diana to the forest, and I'll help in gathering the herbs. Besides, you'll need me if you really want to harvest the best herbs in the forest."
Aaron smiled and thanked the princess, but Aurora didn't say anything in reply as she left the room.
Diana had been eavesdropping on their conversation with her back against the wall closest to the entrance of the room Aaron was in and her arms crossed over her chest.
Her lips stretched into a smile after listening to how Aaron had spoken like a leader rather than the coward she had thought he was.
If he had been acting this way months ago, he would have probably earned her respect by now, along with that of the princess as well, but there was no point thinking about this right now. So, Diana decided to head to her room to sharpen her sword in preparation for tomorrow's journey to the dark forest, but just as she was about to leave, Luna's voice dragged her attention towards her.
"Lady Diana, Princess Aurora is coming," she whispered, and Diana giggled before holding Luna's hand.
"Okay, dear. Let's make a run for it."
"Hehe… Okay," The two ladies hurried to their rooms before Aurora could see them, but Aurora had seen and heard them already and she couldn't help but chuckle after seeing how they desperately tried to hide from her.
The next morning, Aaron, Diana, and Aurora stood at the gates of the town with their supplies packed and their weapons ready as well. Glimmer stood beside Aaron with her tail wagging in excitement at what was to come.
Meanwhile, Aurora was still in doubt about what they were about to do.
She had witnessed the brutality of demonic beasts, so she knew just how dangerous and ruthless the beasts were.
If any of them made even a single mistake, it would definitely cost them their lives.
"Are you really sure about this?" She asked Aaron.
"No, but I'm not going to give up now," Aaron admitted while he adjusted his grip on his sword.
Diana smirked when she heard him, she had been impressed by his words. "Just try not to die," She offered as friendly advice, and with that, they set off to the dark forest.
The journey to the dark forest was quiet. Aaron walked in front with his sword in hand while Glimmer followed silently at his side.
Behind him, Diana moved at a relaxed pace, but her sharp eyes scanned the treeline for any sign of nearby threats.
Meanwhile, Aurora was currently at the rear, clutching a small pouch of her healing supplies.
The forest loomed ahead and as they approached the dark forest, Aurora noticed how scary the dark forest looked.
"This place looks creepy."
"Dangerous forests with strong demonic beasts are meant to look creepy," Diana replied in a calm voice.
Aaron stopped at the edge of the treeline before glancing back at the girls. "Stay close. We're here for herbs and supplies, but if things get dangerous, we retreat. Agreed?"
Diana nodded but Aurora hesitated a bit before nodding as well.
They continued to venture deep into the forest in search of what they came for, but the deeper they were into the forest, the darker it became.
The sunlight could barely pierce through the forest now, and the sound of leaves rustling and birds chirping felt amplified in the darkness.
"Here," Aurora pointed to something, and then she crouched in front of a patch of glowing blue flowers. "These are very important, they'll help with the potions I have in mind."
Diana helped her gather the herbs while Aaron stood guard as the two ladies harvested the flowers, and despite how scary the forest looked, both ladies harvested the flowers with steady hands.
However, while they were doing this, Glimmer's ears perked up; she let out a low growl, and her fur began to shimmer as well.
Aaron noticed what was happening so he tightened his grip on his sword. "What is it?"
Glimmer continued to stare into the forest as her tail continued to swish anxiously.
Diana noticed this as well, so she stepped closer to Aaron with her sword already in her hand. "Magical beast?"
"Yeah, it might be. Although it could also be a demonic beast, whatever it is, it's definitely watching us from the deep within the forest."
"Should we leave?" Aurora asked with a nervous voice.
Aaron hesitated before replying because the beast hadn't attacked yet, although he also knew that it could change at any time. "Not yet. Let's see what it does."
There were still herbs they had to gather, so he wanted to be sure whether the beast was just observing them or if it wanted to strike.
If it was the former then they would continue to harvest the herbs once the beast left, but if it was the latter, then Aaron would have to retaliate.
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A/N:- Please, I'll need your support in this new book I'm currently writing. Beast Evolution System is currently participating in a contest.
Your support in terms of adding it to your library, donating golden tickets and also power stones will be extremely appreciated if you can do this. I really want to win this contest and you guys are the only ones who can make this possible.
Thank you so much as you make it happen.
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