Chương 23: Going to the Forest

'This year?' Those two words made Nathan come to a realization. 'Teacher Jason told us that every year it would be a different place, but what if it was a lie? What if it was actually the same place but with a different name?'

Nathan gulped down. "It's called Tevlan Forest."

"Hoh?" The staff smiled. "Still, to think a single student would visit the village for three years in a row. I guess the Frexia Academy's quality is increasing."

"Three years in a row?"

"Yep. Last year, there was a student called Axel visiting us. The year before that was a female student, Noelle." The staff shrugged. "Well, it's not like we mind it at all. After all, the students will be spending a lot of money in the village. The academy is also giving us some money every year for hosting this event."

"Is that so?" Nathan looked down. The fact that no one was aware of this was because there was no need to tell their underclassmen about this. "Aunty. Is the village alright? I mean, it's close to a forest filled with aliens, right?"

"Well, it's relatively safe, but I've heard some rumors from the summoners who are usually staying in the city. In the western area, I've heard that there is a disturbing sign of a powerful alien."

"A powerful alien? Isn't that dangerous? No. Is the academy wanting the students to kill that alien to help the village? But this alien might be strong and the students who reach that area will be quite exhausted…" Nathan fell into deep thought.

"If you are going to aim for that alien, there is actually a trick. You should go through the northern entrance. There is a small path that allows you to traverse around the forest from that entrance. Due to the position of the river, it's also extremely good to set up the camp there. Not only is it brimming with fish, but fast-flowing water is safe for drinking. It's also the place where most edible fruits and plants are growing."

"Oh! In that case, you can maintain your current state to challenge the scary alien." Nathan nodded with a solemn expression. "But is there something we can use to reach the northern entrance?"

"If I'm not wrong, there should be a caravan going north in an hour. You should be able to tag along with them without paying. Still, you might have to walk for about fifteen minutes to find that entrance."

"That is fine." Nathan smiled. "Thank you very much, Aunty. I promise that I'll beat that scary alien so that it won't harm the village."

"Oh my. What a brave kid. Good luck. In that case, let me give you something." She brought a small lunch box. "You can eat this for dinner if you want. While it won't be hot anymore, it's still quite delicious."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. Make sure you beat that alien."

"Of course." Nathan nodded furiously. He hurriedly finished his food and headed to the north, finding the merchant group that the tavern's aunt was talking about.

Because of his connection with the village as well as recognizing the Frexia Academy's badge, the merchant didn't mind him tagging along.

While it was true that he needed to walk a bit further than the rest of the students and started more than an hour later, he got the best start possible.

Because all students entered from the same area, even if they spread out, they would still create a flow from the southeast of the forest to the center.

With such a high number of students, they would be fighting with each other to kill the alien. In other words, they would just be exhausting themselves for one or two aliens.

And the teacher chose this timing so that they couldn't think rationally due to hunger. Conflicts would arise as the students were unable to endure their impulse. At the same time, taking their time to eat would just slow them down.

Hence, it was a messy start for all of them.

Meanwhile, Nathan could actually come to the northern side of the forest. And the moment he entered the forest, he was in perfect condition with no competitors. In other words, all the aliens on this side would be his for the taking.

"Fenrir." Nathan summoned Fenrir as soon as he stepped into the forest.

"Yeah. This is going to be exciting." Fenrir smirked excitedly. "I can finally go all out. And don't forget that you have more Ena than me right now. You can use Deadly Claw again and again to kill a lot of enemies."

"I know. I'll be playing my part. In fact, I can actually increase the amount of Ena you have, you know." Nathan smirked.

"Soul Contract, right? Even though I'm able to learn new techniques based on my understanding of this new world, I still want to retain some of my abilities. If I grow weaker just for the sake of more Ena, it'll be troublesome even for you."

"Nope. I'm not going to ask for your ability." Nathan shook his head. "This is just my theory, but now that we know the amount of Ena accurately, I believe that we can tweak the content of the contract.

"For example, in exchange for my Ena, you can part with a bit of your dignity, like acting like a pet for seven days or something equivalent to the Ena you receive."

"Sacrificing my dignity? Are you going to kill me?" Fenrir glared. No matter what, he was still the prideful Fenrir, there was no way he would sell his dignity.

"I'm just giving you an example. What I want to say is that it's all about equivalent exchange. An ability is just one of them."

Fenrir's eyebrows twitched. He was still angry, but he quickly regained composure. Nathan was right. If he was able to do that, he could grow stronger with only a small price. Besides, Nathan didn't need a lot of Ena since he could only use Deadly Claw in battle.

Before Fenrir could reply, he suddenly heard a buzzing sound from a bush.

"Hmm? There is something nearby." Fenrir squinted his eyes before turning to the left. "There!"

Nathan hurriedly turned around, finding the alien for the first time. And he was actually surprised by its appearance. "Isn't that…"

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