Afternoon.
Ryu, Leanne, Tauro, Jiro, and Sima had all equipped themselves and reached the walls of the border with the Demon Forest.
During the journey, the topic of discussion was mainly about the “Carriage No. 1” they had ridden up to this point.
Particularly, Jiro passionately spoke about how this carriage would not be a hassle even for those who dislike carriages, how it’s suitable for long journeys, and how it wouldn’t traumatize anyone making round trips to the royal capital, though he seemed to be traumatized enough himself.
Jiro-onii-chan… it seems round trips to the capital were quite painful for you…
Ryu sympathized deeply with Jiro.
Tauro had heard stories about the battles in this forest.
Since he was absent from school at the time, he felt a twinge of guilt for not being here himself.
“When I found out that Jiro and Ryu were risking their lives in battle while I was studying, I felt pathetic.”
He muttered.
“You had valuable experiences while you were studying, Tauro-onii-chan.”
Jiro joked, trying to dispel Tauro’s guilt.
“Yeah, Tauro-onii-chan, you missed out. Grandpa and Dad were amazing. It was dangerous, sure, but that experience was invaluable,”
Ryu chimed in, understanding the situation and teasing Tauro a bit.
“Both of you… I’m envious. Haha!”
Tauro laughed gratefully at the two, brushing away all his guilt.
“Uncle Kamiza, I found him.”
Leanne pointed to a spot in the forest from atop the wall.
As everyone looked in the direction she pointed, a part of the forest exploded at just the right moment, indicating that Kamiza had used his signature fire magic to blast away the monsters.
“Grandpa, you’re really putting on a show.”
Tauro exclaimed, surprised. However, Ryu and Leanne were accustomed to such sights.
“It’s always like this here, isn’t it?”
Ryu made an unneeded follow-up.
“I see… Well then, let’s go for now.”
He regaining his composure and urging everyone to move.
With nods from the group, they entered the forest to meet up with Kamiza.
“Grandpaaaa!”
Following Leanne’s guidance, they quickly traced Kamiza’s footsteps and found him deep in the forest.
“Oh, so Tauro and the others have come too, a little late though. If you had been a bit earlier, you could’ve fought the ogres.”
Tauro, Jiro, and Sima were surprised at the mention of ogres.
Ogres were targets for adventurers in the C-rank range, monstrous creatures resembling demons.
They wielded weapons, wore armor, and were formidable opponents who enjoyed fighting.
“What a shame! I wanted a rematch since last time we couldn’t finish the fight.”
Ryu said, echoing Leanne.
“Huh? Ryu, but the opponent is an ogre, isn’t that dangerous?”
Tauro was taken aback by the fact that his brother was willing to face such a formidable foe.
“Yeah, they’re strong. Ogres! It would’ve been a good fight if it were me and Leanne together. If we were with you guys, we would’ve definitely won.”
Ryu said regretfully.
My brother… he’s desensitized!
Tauro was amazed at Ryu and Leanne’s nonchalant attitude. But he also considered that perhaps the cause was their grandfather’s education style being dangerously lax.
“Ryu, Uncle Kamiza. Two monsters are approaching from the nine o’clock direction.”
Leanne, using her scouting ability, was the first to notice the monsters’ approach.
“Oh? Must be the ogre’s companions. Alright, Tauro and the rest of you, try fighting with all five of you. Two ogres are tough, but with good teamwork, you can beat them.”
Kamiza said, then cast his fire magic, clearing a space between the monster and themselves.
“Here, I’ve cleared some space for you, so do your best.”
Kamiza settled in a high spot, encouraging the five to step forward.
Though Tauro, Jiro, and Sima were confused, Ryu and Leanne stepped forward as if it were natural.
“Tauro-onii-chan. Me and Leanne will take the left, and you and Jiro-onii-chan and Sima, please take the right.”
Ryu said, and just as he finished speaking, two ogres emerged from the bushes.
“Alright! Leanne, let’s win today!”
“Yes!”
Leanne nodded, and they both challenged the ogres.
Tauro couldn’t lag behind Ryu and rushed out.
Jiro and Sima also hastily drew their swords and followed Tauro.
