"Red-Eyed Crow? We ran into a few when we first came here. They were easily dispatched by Duolote, using what seemed like a corrosive acid spell?" Leilin Farell stroked his chin, recalling their initial arrival at the Academy.
"We'll head over there as soon as possible and begin our patrol. For this mission, we need to bring back the right claws of ten Red-Eyed Crows as proof of completion... Any more questions?"
Kreweir asked, displaying a touch of leadership. Seeing the others shake their heads, he continued, "Since we're teammates now, let's be open about it. State your approximate strength so we're all on the same page. I'll start!"
"Kreweir, Knight-level physical fitness, I've mastered a secret technique, and I know a Zero-level Spell!"
"Kreweir, you've already learned a spell? Looks like you're ahead of me... Ni Lan, Knight-level physical fitness, mastered a secret technique. I'm still learning a Zero-level Spell—Hand of Exhaustion—but I can't cast it yet!" Ni Lan glanced at Kreweir with some surprise.
"Lilisite, I... I've also had Knight training. My coach said I throw darts pretty well. I don't know any spells yet!" Lilisite was a bit shy.
"Lannuo, Preliminary Knight, no spells, but I'm good with a bow!" He hadn't expected Kreweir and Ni Lan to have started learning spells already. Lannuo blushed slightly, then patted the wooden bow on his back. "Don't worry, I won't slow you down!"
"Leilin, Preliminary Knight. I currently know one spell." Leilin rubbed his nose.
"You know a spell too? Oh! Sorry!" Lannuo was a little dazed. He had arrived with Leilin back then, so he knew Leilin's aptitude was only Third-rank. He hadn't expected him to be surpassing him, a Fourth-rank.
"No problem!" Leilin shook his head, indicating he didn't mind.
In truth, if resources were equal, Lannuo's Meditation Method speed was far superior. But Lannuo didn't have enough Magic Stones to trade for knowledge and rare resources, and was gradually being left behind.
"Impressive as always, Master Leilin! Do you know what people outside say about you?" Ni Lan's eyes shone with admiration.
"Oh? I'd like to hear their evaluations!"
"A genius in Potionology seen only once in fifty years! If you hadn't already had a professor, several of the other Potionology professors would absolutely have invited you to be their personal disciple!" Ni Lan cleared her throat, the stars in her eyes almost sparkling.
Seeing Ni Lan's fervent gaze, along with the expressions of Lilisite and Lannuo, Leilin gave a wry smile.
In order to sell his potions quickly, he had to disguise himself as a tremendously talented Potionology apprentice. Fortunately, Senior Merlin was above him, drawing fire for him; otherwise, the attention he received would have been even greater.
"By the way! Leilin, the potions you usually sell should be enough to get you resources, right? Why come out here?" Lannuo asked in a low voice.
"Well? Staying in the Academy all the time gets a bit boring, and I just learned a spell, so I need to practice!"
Leilin's main goal was to gain experience, preparing for when he would eventually go out alone to find black market channels. But of course, he couldn't say that.
"Alright! That's enough chatter! Our destination isn't too far, but there will be plenty of trouble along the way! If we don't move now, it'll be dark!" Kreweir clapped his hands, grabbed his machete, and took the lead.
"Let's go!" Leilin followed.
"I want to walk with you!" Ni Lan moved to Leilin's side, making no secret of her interest.
Lilisite came next, with Lannuo bringing up the rear.
"Be careful! The area near the Academy was open ground, but now we're entering the forest. The dangers multiply!" Kreweir warned as he walked.
Leilin paid no mind to Ni Lan beside him, focusing his attention and pushing the Chip's detection to maximum.
This was his first time encountering the dangerous outside world; he couldn't afford to be careless.
The Black Bone Forest Academy was situated deep within a black forest. The Academy grounds were surrounded by a dilapidated graveyard, with only low grass and shrubs nearby, so the danger was limited. But once inside the forest, the countless trees provided cover, making it a prime hunting ground for many creatures. Leilin remembered they had been ambushed right in this black forest initially.
"Warning! Warning! Unknown creature detected nearby. Threat level to host: Minor!"
As the Chip's voice sounded, a three-dimensional image composed of pale blue lines appeared in Leilin's vision. Within it, he could clearly see a red line winding its way towards them.
"Swish!"
A black shadow suddenly burst from the grass, lunging for Kreweir's throat.
Kreweir's expression remained unchanged. The black blade in his hand became a blur, deflecting the shadow away.
The shadow hit the ground, revealing its true form: a black snake over a meter long, with a triangular head bearing only a single vertical eye. Faint bloodstains lined the edges of its scales.
"It's an Iron-Wire One-Eyed Snake. Watch out for its venom!" Ni Lan warned.
At that moment, Lilisite, who was behind them, suddenly acted. Three throwing knives flew out from different directions, aimed at the Iron-Wire One-Eyed Snake.
The snake's body contracted sharply, dodging two knives. The third grazed its body, leaving a bloody trail.
"Heh!" Kreweir stepped forward. The black machete slashed across the snake's head. The dark blade gleamed coldly, severing the Iron-Wire One-Eyed Snake's head in one clean strike.
The now headless snake body coiled in a circle, blood still flowing from the wound.
"Ah!" Lilisite cried out softly.
"It's already dead. That's just a natural bodily reaction. Didn't you study Neurology?" Ni Lan snorted coldly.
"This Iron-Wire One-Eyed Snake's venom sac and skin are the only useful parts. Whoever wants them, go collect the materials quickly. The scent of blood will attract other animals soon!" Kreweir sheathed his blade and said calmly.
"I'll do it!" Lannuo stepped forward. After some busy work, the group continued on their way.