Just like I thought, I made a mess while gutting the deer. There was just enough hide to make into a waistcoat, and I used the bones to craft a knife, fish hooks, and a spearhead.

The meat wasn't good. It wasn't inedible, but the meat was tough and had a rubber-like texture. I wasn't going to wast the meat, not after going through all that effort for nothing. And it would be disrespectful to waste his meat.

Never waste food no matter how disgusting, that has been my way of life, and it will stand till I die!

From that was left of Gale. I had decided to dig him a grave. My first boss fight, and it left me feeling guilty. With a small rock planted on top of the grave servings as a headstone and I prayed. I haven't done a prayer in a long time, but it seems like this was the most the best time to start again.

Though praying for something I just brutally killed, might be a bit of a dick move.

Pii

Astrel sat on my shoulder as I quietly continued my prayer.

By the time I had finished, a small tree had grown where the deers remained were buried. And the wind whistled around me like a song. The towering trees around me, with their leaves, sang along with the wind.

The forest was crying.

Danm it. Now I feel worse than shit.

"Astrel can you use word of vine to find a way out of the forest without trespassing anymore towards the heart of the forest." Astrel turned to me a bit puzzled for a moment but gestured me to follow him.

If I knew I was going further into the forest in the first place I wouldn't have gone this way and killed one of the gatekeepers. But I probably would have killed an animal for meat and materials anyway, but I still would have felt crappy afterward.

-----

Before night fell I had constructed a small hut. I have to squat while inside but, I only needed it for the resting.

I was close to passing out this time from where walking so far. Im glad I didn't run into any monsters but, I can only go so far in a day. Traveling forward will be a real hassle since my body's stamina is garbage.

I wonder if theirs a skill I could get that could help me manage it. Since i cant level it up any higher. Or if i manga to find someone with good is super good at magic, or find an energy drink in a town.

Speaking of, what are the in this world like? What is their culter like, and their religion? Does everyone know magic? Are there guilds here? Whats the government?

I never really thought about this until now. I guess since my goal before was just to level up and take over the spider den I wasn't really thinking about going to a town. But even if I did go, I didn't have any money. Regardless of leaving the forest seems like a good first step.

And training could be good if I can make Astrel stronger so he can help me out more. But he seems to be more of a supporter build than a fighter. Which can help in the long run since I'm practically a glass cannon build.

But can I really bring him along? I may be contracted with Astrel but it seems like a bad idea to take him along with me. Maybe I should ask...

I looked at the soft light of the tiny spirt curled next to me. Sleeping peacefully.

I can wait till morning...

-------

--

-

Somewhere in a run-down cabin, a group of five sat around a small table. With an old map displayed.

"With all due respect Lord Byron, it's a bit risky to go in at all. You wanting to go to the heart of the forest is suicide." An attendant had spoken calmly. The man he was referring to was a bit gruff and wore fancy frilled clothes. He sat in his chair like an impatient child.

"I don't care for the details, as long as we get there, and obtain the treasure of this forest."

"Regarding the treasure," one of the figures spoke up." It was never properly explained to us what this treasure you are paying us for is."

"We do know it has to do with that," another one gestured to a bruised green-haired elf women with her ear tips slice off.

"It's simply a key to get the heart." The man Byron grinned. "We need someone, that speaks the language of the fea and sprits, And Elves Descendents of fea can speak both."

The elf girl was trembling at this mans voice alone. Then she heard the winds cries and the trees weeping. She perked up her head. While the others turned to her by her sudden action.

"What is it doing?"

"It's acting like a dog."

"G...g,"

"What, spit it out!" Byron yelled.

"T..the f-first guardian of the g-gate has been killed..." She whimpered." T-that's what the spirits are crying."

"A guardian killed?"

"Is there someone else here?"

"Well, whoever, or whatever it, we'll deal with it. After all, you hired a team of pro mercenary." The biggest of the three men grinned."I'll get rid of it with my own two hands."