Chapter 30: Into the Blue Lake Forest

After walking for some time, we had already ventured deep into the forest, nearing its heart where the Blue Lake lay.

The deeper we went, the more ominous the atmosphere grew. Trees flourished densely, and a thick mist swirled, obstructing visibility and making ambushes all too easy.

This Blue Lake Forest was home to numerous demonic creatures, including humanoid beasts and many magical wild animals.

If they were to lie in wait around us, I, of course, wouldn’t be afraid. My only concern was for the three individuals trailing behind me.

As expected, those three had indeed followed. More accurately, that fool named Zale had dragged the two young women along, insisting on accompanying me.

Karen was likely forced into it, unwilling to follow but unable to abandon her companions. Helene, with her gentle disposition, remained in a passive state.

I had no idea what they hoped to achieve here; I simply intended to continue on my own path.

“Speaking of which, Big Armor,” Zale said with a laugh, tapping my shoulder plate. “What brings you here?”

“That’s why I call you a fool. You followed without asking anything. If this person were leading us into a trap, we’d already be dead.”

“But he doesn’t seem like that, does he, Mr. Armor?”

“…”

I offered no reply to Helene’s question, merely continuing my steady advance.

“The Blue Lake should be just ahead. Are you looking for something there?”

“…”

“I bet you’re trying to find Saint Dew Leaves, aren’t you?”

“…”

“Since you’re a novice, you must have heard the rumor that Saint Dew Leaves cure all ailments, and that’s why you came looking for them, right? Unfortunately, you might be making a wasted trip. That kind of rumor— ugh!”

Just as Zale was prattling on, full of self-satisfaction, Karen once again pulled him back.

“My apologies. You must be troubled, being pestered by such an annoying fellow.”

“…”

Even with a different person, a young maiden this time, I still offered no response.

“We’re also here for Saint Dew Leaves. Just as this fool said, we heard the legend about them.”

‘Our purpose is the same? Does that mean Zale was lying to me?’

‘It’s likely they want to rely on my protection to reach the Saint Dew Leaves, then sweet-talk me into giving up, seizing the opportunity to snatch them for themselves.’

Saint Dew Leaves followed a strict growth cycle. Regardless of the season, they would mature in the middle of each month and wither three days later. If contaminated, they would wilt instantly.

One would then have to wait another month to harvest mature Saint Dew Leaves, almost as if they were aware of human timekeeping. Only the mature leaves possessed healing properties, and their numbers were scarce.

Circling the Blue Lake, one might only find four or five plants at most. Remarkably, if a Saint Dew Leaf was plucked from its root and its severed end placed in sufficiently clear water, it would not wither.

This made them relatively easy to preserve. All of this information I had once read in books and committed to memory. Given these facts, it was perfectly normal for a struggle over them to occur.

‘If these aren’t companions, then telling them my purpose in seeking Saint Dew Leaves would be…’

“Let me ask first, are you truly here to—!”

Before Karen could finish her question, I turned and threw a punch at her.

As I had thought, a struggle was normal. Fights and killings were commonplace.

“Karen!”

“Watch out!”

Everyone froze. Seeing me throw a punch, they didn’t have time to step forward and intervene—because my fist stopped just before Karen’s nose, not actually striking her. At most, a faint gust of wind brushed her face.

“…”

Startled, they hadn’t reacted. Everyone stared at me dumbfounded, while I had already withdrawn my fist.

They didn’t react to my attack in time, nor did they immediately counter. Even when I halted my assault, they didn’t seize the opportunity to subdue me.

Coupled with their willingness to reveal their purpose to a stranger whose name they didn’t even know, it was clear these individuals were even greener “novices” than I, the proclaimed “newbie.”

“Be more careful.”

A gruff voice emerged from my helmet as I cautioned them, then turned and continued forward.

“Are you alright, Karen?” Helene asked.

“Mm… I’m fine…”

“What was that guy’s problem! We told him out of kindness, and he treats us like that!”

“Shut up!”

“Ow! Why’d you hit my head!”

“Let’s catch up.”

“Okay.”

“Hey! Wait a minute!”

Helene and Karen quickly caught up to me, while Zale moved a step faster, circling around to my front.

“Thank you for your warning. However, I felt you posed no threat, which is why I was willing to speak with you.”

“…” I still ignored them.

There was no exchange between us, and her statement lacked any basis.

‘Or does she possess some special ability to discern my inner thoughts? My understanding of magic isn’t deep; I don’t know if there’s a spell to peer into another’s mind. I can’t be certain.’

“Mr. Armor was also kindly warning us, wasn’t he? Thank you.”

“I just hope your kindness could be a little gentler. You really scared me.”

“Hmph, how could a brute like him be gentle— ugh!”

Karen stepped forward and kicked Zale again, sending him sprawling to the ground.

“Are you okay, Zale?”

Helene looked somewhat concerned, but she didn’t offer to help Zale up, seemingly accustomed to such scenes.

“Ow… Why do you always hit me!”

“If you weren’t so talkative, he wouldn’t have scared me. You’ve been chattering the whole way! Go reflect on yourself first!”

“…Tsk.”

Zale stood up again, patted his backside, and sullenly continued walking forward.

‘Indeed, they still seem too naive. To be chatting idly in this situation.’

I stopped, turning my head to observe our surroundings.

“What’s wrong?”

Helene looked at me, not sensing my motive, but Karen seemed to share my thoughts, also surveying the environment.

“…”

Everything appeared normal, so I resumed my pace.

“Nothing, let’s go.”

Karen patted Helene’s shoulder and took her hand, following along.

It seemed Karen wasn’t a novice either; she had also noticed subtle movements around us. She met the basic requirements of an adventurer.

In this situation, it was a case of the enemy being visible and us being hidden.

If the opponents were adventurers of our same rank—the lowest Pebble rank or the slightly higher Celadon rank—we might not need to worry. Unfortunately, what dwelled here were not humans, and their specific species remained unclear.

“Grrr…”

“!”

After another minute or two of walking, a sound finally reached us: the low growl of a beast. Though indistinct, like large rocks scraping the ground, my extensive travels had honed my experience to identify it as a wild beast’s growl. It was likely… a wolf.

I immediately halted, raising my arm and grasping the back of my left hand with my right. Karen seemed to notice as well, stopping with me and growing wary of her surroundings.

“Hey, you guys are— mmmph!”

Karen reached out, grabbed the top edge of Zale’s armor, and pulled him back to her side.

“Is there danger?”

“Yes, be careful. Zale, you too, get ready. It might appear at any second.”

“What are you scared of? There are four of us!”

“But if there’s danger, we should pay attention,” Helene said.

“It’s fine! I’m here! I’ll definitely protect you, Helene!”

As Zale spoke, he faced outwards, subtly shifting a step closer to Helene, seemingly implying that she could rely on him… whereupon Helene came to my side and took my right arm.

“Looks like you’re not very popular, you fool.”

“This…! What… what are you talking about! Nonsense…”

Karen had seen through him, yet he still stubbornly denied it. I, however, paid them little mind, instead feeling a slight concern for Helene.

Although she held her staff, ready to cast, she still seemed somewhat timid.

‘Perhaps it’s because of my current tall stature and full-body armor, making me appear sturdy and thus more reassuring? Or does she simply not wish to interfere with the other two’s offense and defense?’

I didn’t know the capabilities of the other two, but since Helene had leaned on me, I would allocate some energy to protect her.

Of course, I wouldn’t voice this. What if she was merely a powerful mage disguised by a timid exterior? I would truly be embarrassed then.

“Grrr… grrr…”

As if sensing our heightened vigilance, the enemy no longer concealed itself. Low growls erupted from all directions, echoing through the swirling mist, making it impossible to pinpoint their exact location.

‘Can I only defend or counterattack the moment they appear? I can’t rashly use “Prism” without knowing the enemy’s strength. What if there are too many and I can’t defend in time?’

‘This is truly troublesome. We were just a father and daughter out for a stroll, picking some herbs, why did all this have to happen?’

“…They’re here!”

Awooo—

With a roaring howl drawing near, a beast lunged forward, its target… Helene, who stood behind me.