The three started their trek through the woods, they did not have a long journey, and while close to Terraqua was generally considered safe, anything could happen. Before they left, in one of Hyro’s adventuring 101 classes, Hurly explained why the land was so dangerous, and why adventurers were valued.
“Today we be talking about Monster lairs. They be Adventurers biggest focus. Sure there are wandering creatures and the occasional organized bandit group or adversary that we will help with, but monster lairs are something that requires our intervention. Normally, when a lair vortex is formed it draws in magic from the surrounding area, physically pulling in life force, sometimes killing creatures and people nearby. These can show up anywhere, however most Towns, cities and places of importance have an item that protects their area from such things. After the portal finishes absorbing the magic from an area, boom! A new monster lair is formed. The tricky part being that the strength depends on what happened to be nearby, so anywhere in Orabis you can get a Hogtork lair, a rabid bunny lair or something more sinister like a troll or even dragon lair.” Hurly paused there to let the information sink in and to allow those writing notes to catch up. “While that is the normal way that a Monster lair forms there are variations, some minor, some major. Some we are not even fully aware of, like how many monster lairs are deep under water where we can not even patrol? The most well known variation is when a lair craves more power. When that happens it will link with the next closest portal forming at that same time, no matter how close or far. When that happens the two places are linked, so claim that ye can travel between the areas as the portal is active but this is not confirmed. What is confirmed is that a strong Monster lair is formed in both locations, and while one may become temporarily dormant, they can not be abolished without both being defeated within a short window. These missions are usually taken on by two teams of adventurers with a message spell to make sure they are in sync.”
There was more in the class but that seemed like the most important part to Hyro so that is what he drilled into his memory. Knowing they could be facing anything is why Hyro made sure when this morning that he prepared his hand cloth with his chemical reaction to have his fireball ready. He even brought his now one remaining extra setup in his shirt, he has not had to use this since the entrance tournament. I have been meaning to get back into my alchemy, maybe while we are out I can find some new materials. Hyro thought as he tightened his cloth while they walked. Hurly would know it was all a ruse, but while Enris knew about Hyro’s sanctuary and some secrets, Hyro has not yet told him about his magic.
Things were quiet for the most part, it did make sense, any adventuring students that go out for their independent studies go through this forest if nothing else. They walked in silence for the most part, occasionally Hurly would point out certain plants, or tracks, no creatures bigger than a squirrel seemed to be nearby. Whenever Hurly pointed out a plant with a poison or medicinal property Hyro would try to gather some. Luckily for Hyro when he first tried, Hurly stopped him, “Aye lad, you not be wanting to do that without the proper tools. You will either hurt the plant or yourself. Here, use these.” Then Hyro was handed a pair of gardening gloves and a few sample bags. They would not be best for long term care of the plants but good for their travel. Hyro collected about half a dozen different varieties of plants and stored them away. Hyro may have been able to collect more but he was distracted for most of the walk, as Cynthia had started messaging him.
Walking while both chatting and looking at his character sheet was difficult, but was good practice for Hyro to help manage multitasking with the system, it will help in combat and other scenarios later, or at least Hyro hoped it would, so he pulled up his character sheet.
Character Sheet: Upgraded!
Wow, Chaos Reigns is really powerful, and SID must have God level powers to be able to just give me the message screen. Let me look at the Message home screen.
Message Home screen
Why and how is the order considered a friend? Is it because they sent me a message before? Because I technically got this power from them? Or is it because of my apparent chaotic nature? Let me get back to Cynthia.
Finally after about half a day's travel they made it out of the forest and were looking at the small wall that was the border to Faras, Enris’s home town. Hyro looked over to his friend, only now realizing that he has been ignoring him this whole trip, he was supposed to be here for him. “Hey Enris, how are you holding up?” Hyro asked, walking closer to Enris. “I’m not sure, it still doesn’t feel real.” Enris’s voice was more quiet than Hyro has ever heard it. Hurly stepped in, “Aye lad, I know it be hard, and it will take time. Happiness is beneficial for the body, but it is grief that develops the powers of the mind.” Both Enris and Hyro stood, looking at the border to Faras, letting Hurly’s words sink in. Finally, after a long moment, Enris took a step forward, “I think I am ready now.” With that the three walked to the entrance to the town.
Walking up to the gate of this smaller town was much different than what Hyro was used to. The only town he has ever entered was Aquarine, and that was a much larger town, with larger walls, guards at the gates as well as patrolling. This was nothing like that. There were two people standing at the gate but they looked more like civilian volunteers than guards ready to stop any threats. As they walked up the two at the gate just nodded as they allowed the three to enter. Enris led the way, the town was nice looking despite its small size. All of the buildings were around the same size, none of them really stood out. It was somewhat satisfying to see a row of uniform buildings. There was the occasional sign, marking a building as a store or an inn or tavern, but most seemed to be residences. While they were walking Hyro smelled the aroma of freshly cooked fish at a stand on the side of the road. “Hey, can you wait one second?” Hyro shouted as he went to the vendor. “Hello young sir, I have fresh fish, caught just today and grilled on a stick by my lovely wife. One for a copper, three for two copper!” The vendor, who appeared to have Gnome like qualities, spoke to Hyro cheerfully. Hyro purchased three and went back to Hurly and Enris, offering one of the fish on a stick. “Thanks Hyro, I have not felt like eating lately, but this reminds me of home more than you know.” As he took a bite he started to tear up. Hyro gave the other to Hurly who thanked him. Hyro took a bite of his as well and it was so succulent he was tempted to go buy more, but decided against it for now.
As Enris walked them down the main street it wasn’t long before he stopped in front of one of the houses. “This is my house, but my feet won’t let me go any further.” Enris said, sadness creeping in his voice. Hyro and Hurly both put a hand on Enris’s shoulders and Hyro spoke up, “Then we will wait here with you until you are ready.” Enris simply nodded in response and continued staring at the house, tears running down his face. Before he was able to say or do anything else the front door to the home opened and there stood a Human woman who looked somewhat similar to Enris. She ran up crying and threw her arms around Enris in a giant hug. Hyro could barely hear Enris’s half whispered and sobbing reply, “Hey Mom, I am home.”
