Chapter 10: On the Road

"Didn't my two seniors mention it to you? That 'Ka-something' Academy trains many professions—physicians, throwers, warriors, shieldsmiths, mages, and many more. Almost every vocational college the Empire has offers training." Mage Kiya replied to the young physician's question in a tone of surprise. Though he seemed eager to continue, he was awkwardly interrupted by the physician: "My apologies, Honorable Mage Kiya. They never mentioned your academy to anyone. They were too strict, always holed up in their rooms conducting bizarre experiments. They were... as strict as Mage Snow Night. Oh! No, even stricter than Mage Snow Night." The physician hastily corrected himself upon noticing Shaoke tilting his head to look at him.

"Nothing, I just don't feel like talking. You know that, so stop talking nonsense."

Everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter. "It seems the jester Eno hasn't lost his flavor!" Shaoke also couldn't help but laugh. "Hmm! Eno is still Eno, but I feel a bit unlike myself." However, the latter part was muttered to himself, unheard by those around him. "Hmm! I think so too, but I feel this Mage Kiya isn't as strict as you all. Honorable Mage Kiya, I have no issues with your two seniors, truly none. Alright, don't glare at me—my heart can't handle such pressure."

Everyone laughed again. Led by the cheer brought by Physician Ino, Shaoke's team gradually picked up their pace, striving to cover more ground.

The captain of the small patrol squad Shaoke accompanied with the two mages was a traditional soldier. Even though they had just left the town and hadn't ventured far into the forest, the captain strictly followed military manuals by dispatching over a dozen scouts ahead for reconnaissance. The rest were divided into teams of about a dozen each, maintaining some distance between them as they advanced along the cleared path, constantly removing obstacles—trees, lots of trees. In this world, trees grew much faster than on Shaoke's previous Earth. If not cleared in time, within half a year, this rough path wide enough for a four-horse carriage would be completely overgrown by trees and weeds.

Shaoke, the mages, and the physicians were positioned in the center of the formation, protected by over a dozen soldiers, including the captain, to prevent these important personnel from being harmed by suddenly appearing magical beasts. Although Shaoke had mentioned more than once that such strict protection wasn't necessary, under the stubborn captain's insistence, even the noble mages couldn't oppose his decision. Shaoke estimated that if he continued working with this squad in the future, he would always receive such treatment until he left this Misty Forest. Nevertheless, Shaoke was quite grateful, as he wasn't yet capable of handling sudden combat situations.

Along the way, Mage Kiya and Mage Yija observed the scenery of the area where they would later carry out missions with great excitement. Perhaps because they had never been to the north, they found everything new and interesting. Occasionally, they asked Physician Ino questions. "What kind of tree is this? Why isn't it recorded in the plant guide?" "Oh! This is a pinecone tree. I only know it exists in the Misty Forest. I've never heard of it elsewhere. Long ago, merchants supposedly tried to take its seeds elsewhere, but they couldn't survive. That was tens of thousands of years ago. I doubt anyone tries that anymore now. Look! See the fruit on the tree? It's used for brewing wine. Different wines produce different flavors when infused with it. I hear they're really into pinecone-infused wine in the capital."

The young physician introduced the unique aspects of the Misty Forest in a boastful tone, as if everything here belonged to his family. Seeing that the two new mages were unfamiliar with many plants, he got even more excited. He added, "Look at those so-called scholars of the Empire—they don't know anything either! They're not as knowledgeable as these country folks. They really should send me to revise the 'Plant Handbook' once. Look! Such a valuable economic crop isn't even recorded. Think how many young students' thirst for knowledge this misleads!" As he spoke passionately, the young physician noticed the two mages and the surrounding listeners, including Shaoke, looking at him with strange expressions. Somewhat awkwardly, he scratched his black hair. "What's wrong, folks? Oh! I don't actually plan to go to the imperial capital to revise or edit that dreadful 'Plant Handbook' for them. Even for a new edition, I wouldn't go just to have my name on it alone. Don't worry about me leaving. Heh, I'm not that young anymore. I've been in this damned place for four years and am about to leave... though there's some income here... but..."

At this point, Shaoke sensed a shift in the squad's atmosphere. The soldiers grew restless, whispering complaints: "Yeah, it's about time to leave this damned place," "I wonder when I'll see my mother again," "I want to go back too. I'm afraid if I don't return soon, my beautiful wife might leave home for someone else. Damn it, how unlucky."

The captain also noticed something amiss and glared fiercely at the young physician. "Physician Ino, perhaps you should stop your chatter." Another older physician, appearing around fifty with slightly graying hair and deep wrinkles on his forehead—seeming like someone who worried a lot—tugged at the young physician's shoulder, signaling him to heed the captain's advice and stop making pessimistic remarks.

"I've been here for over nine years, and I'm not complaining. What are you youngsters whining about?" "Come on, our respected old Ino, if your son weren't here too, you'd have run far away long ago. Would you stay here suffering? Picking your worthless herbs?"

Ignoring the old physician's dissuasion, the young physician angrily said, "Alright, friends, stop slandering my father. Unless you want timely treatment from me if you get injured later." The soldiers dared not provoke the physician further, lest his words come true. However, the discussions didn't stop; instead, they intensified. The two new mages listened with great interest. If a reason had to be found for their lack of intervention, it was that they had just arrived, spent two months confined to their cabins by the previous mages for lectures, and hadn't had time to learn about this place. Thus, they wouldn't miss any chance to gather useful information. This was actually a common trait among mages: unless threatened or unless their interests were involved, few would be eager to help resolve troubles. Shaoke was even more so, as in his previous life he was already accustomed to putting into practice "out of sight, out of mind," even when facing fellow patrol soldiers.

The squad leader wanted to stop the soldiers' conversations to prevent unexpected incidents. But upon turning and seeing the two mages watching intently with keen interest, he involuntarily dismissed the thought. However, he reconsidered: "Even if they are noble mages, I'm carrying out a regular mission. They can't cause trouble for me over this. As for possibly offending the mages... I'll deal with that later." Just as he was about to step forward to stop the soldiers, the leader noticed Shaoke standing silently nearby. He thought, "I've worked with Mage Snow Night for over two years. Why not ask for his help? That way, I avoid offending the two mages, whom I don't know at all."

Having decided, the captain approached Shaoke for assistance. "Honorable Mage Snow Night, I hope you can stop this dreadful conversation. The soldiers' discontent is about to boil over. If this continues, deserters might appear." The captain performed a military salute of request, seeking Shaoke's aid.

Faced with this situation, Shaoke had to agree. After all, he was somewhat familiar with this captain and couldn't easily refuse such a simple request. "Don't worry, I'll handle the soldiers' mood. But I'll need your help." "I understand, Honorable Mage Snow Night. I'll go comfort the soldiers ahead first. The rest is up to you." Shaoke acknowledged and shouted to the nearby soldiers: "Soldiers! Brave soldiers! Let's end this unpleasant conversation! We are here protecting our homeland, our family and friends! What is there to complain about? They can have peace, happiness, and freedom from magical beast threats. What's there to grumble about enduring some hardship and fatigue here?" Shaoke shouted at the top of his voice, hoping the disgruntled soldiers would end their discussion and maintain proper vigilance.

"Don't let our talk lower your guard! Keep your formation in order! After all, no one knows when a magical beast might suddenly charge from any direction to attack us. Though they might not dare, let's discuss issues only after ensuring our safety!"

Through the joint efforts of Shaoke and the captain, the soldiers' emotions gradually stabilized. Shaoke secretly sighed in relief. "Looks like my clout as a mage still works! Otherwise, who knows what might have happened. If the soldiers all ran away, where would I go? Lead two rookies alone on the mission? Not likely. Nothing happened, why am I thinking about this? Anyway, this matter is over."