*Notes*

There may be another one coming soon but no promises.

Chapter 5

|Richard's Pov|

“Richard this new area seems promising. Who are you going to send to the grasslands?” Asks the guild master as he goes over the report on the recent deaths in the ravine.

"I have a few groups in mind but one in particular stands out. The team lead by Ranald seems like a good fit. They are nearing B class and are soon to be promoted. This area already has confirmed C class beasts so this is a perfect mission for them."

The guild leader gives an approving nod and says "Very well, I sanction this new region to be explored by Ranald's party. Have Ranald set out within the week and I want a detailed report as soon as they return. It's rare to find areas with that much greenery, make sure to tell them to be thorough."

"I will make sure they do their jobs properly. Not one blade of grass will go unnoticed." I pick up the report and as I leave the office the poor girl who made this discovery comes to mind.

It's sad that she had to go through something like that when she just started spreading her wings. Hopefully, she can steel herself from this experience or maybe live a quiet life in the city. With her talent in magic, her prospects are limitless.

On my way to my office, I run into Tabitha. “Oh, sir I just came by to report that Ema has left. I offered that she could stay to recover a few more days however she was adamant on leaving.”

“That’s alright Tabitha she isn’t needed anymore let her do as she wishes.” I make way into my office and Tabitha bows saying, “Then I will let it be, if there isn’t anything else I will resume my work.”

"Actually, there is something else, can you find Ranald and have him come to my office. Tell him I have an important mission that is perfect for his party."

“As you wish sir.”

Sitting in my office I wonder what could be hidden in that grassland. Why would there be such a drastic change in the environment just past the ravine?

Ranald's team is well balanced with 2 warriors, a mage, and an archer. Ranald himself being B class material with his powerful wind magic. He shouldn't have a hard time charting the new area.

*Knock, Knock*

Speak of the devil, “Come in.” Ranald and his 3 companions enter my room politely and take their seats. Well, one will have to stand as I only have 2 seats. Maybe I should get more, I have plenty of space after all… Anyway, “gentlemen I’m sure you’ve heard from Tabitha about the mission. Are you interested?”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to a mission personally given out by you Richard, but why did you pick our party?”

Ranald looks at me with skepticism but I know he won’t pass this up.

“Simple, your group is on the fast track to becoming B ranked and your wind magic is perfect for charting out new terrain. If you perform well on this mission I can see to it you get immediately promoted to B rank.”

“Well, with that kind of an offer you make it hard to turn down. Tell us the details.”

As I explain the details of the mission it’s amusing seeing their reactions to the grasslands. It is rare to come across such a thing, even I was surprised.

“Now that you’re informed of the mission what is your take on it?”

One of the warriors speaks out in an enthusiastic tone, "I've never seen lands covered in green, it sounds like something we can't pass up, so when are we leaving?"

Knowing I’ve got them hook line and sinker I smirk, “You can leave whenever you want as long as it is within the week.”

This time, Ranald speaks up, "We'll prepare our things and leave tomorrow morning. As I'm sure you can see that we are all keen to see the grasslands in person."

"In that case, I'll process the paperwork today." I stamp the papers and hand Ranald the proof of assignment and send them off.

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A week later Ranald's party nears the end of the ravine. "Where have all the beasts gone? There hasn't been one animal the entire day." -Warrior

"It is strange... almost like everything in the area has fled from something. We're almost out of the ravine, I'll survey the area from above once we reach the clearing." -Ranald

"Ranald you think we should check that cave from the report? Maybe that girl would be happy enough to do us some favors if we get revenge for her friends." -Warrior

"I'm ashamed to have someone like you in our party. The only reason you'd be willing to help someone is to get in her pants." -Archer

"Hey what's so wrong with that Rudy? It's not like I'm forcing anyone to do anything. Just if she was so happy that she wishes to show her appreciation I wouldn't stop her."

"With your ugly mug, I doubt anyone would show their appreciation like that Carter." -Rudy

"Oh, and you're any better with your--

"Alright! That's enough both of you. We'll decide whether or not to go into the cave after our mission is done." -Ranald

The party moves on past the ravine and takes their first steps on the open grassland. "This is so green... Ranald you ever see anything like it before?

"No, I haven't, this is quite the stunning sight. You guys can take a break by the river while I get a birds-eye view of the area. You guys feel how heavy the air feels don't you? Don't let your guards down."

I begin to form a barrier out of the wind around myself and slowly lift off the ground. There aren't many in the city that can fly. I have to say I'm one of the proud few. If only this wasn't so taxing mentally I could use it in active combat and I'd skyrocket up to S class at the very least. I'll get there someday... This... the grassland almost seems endless and can go on for miles. It is simply breathtaking; I've never seen trees so big that dot the lands like pins in a map.

I wonder if this is the result of the heavy feeling I'm getting from the area. The mana is thicker than anything I've felt in my life. As I look across the greenery I feel a powerful sensation lock onto me that makes all the hairs on my body stand on end, my eyes fix onto the enormous mountain ahead. For some reason, I can't take my eyes off it for a period, like it's drawing me in.

After what feels like hours I wake up from my stupor.

What was that... I felt insignificant in front of whatever that was. The thought of fighting something like that would be like... No, there's no analogy for something like that... It's on an entirely different level.

Strangely, I wasn't scared. I didn't feel hostility only that piercing gaze, what could it mean?

I head down toward my party. "Guys this area has something special. I can't put my finger on it but there's something at the mountain. I'd say there's a 50-50 chance we could all die there. I want to go, but because of the danger, I'll put it to a vote. Tell me what you want to do."

"Like we'd back out if you aren't, of course we're going" -Carter

"That's one of the few things we agree on Carter." -Rudy

"How about you William? You're always so quiet I can never tell what you're thinking."

"I'll go, we can't gain anything without the appropriate risk."

It's settled then. It appears to be around two dozen kilometers away, we can probably make it in a day but I should let us rest a few km away so that we can be refreshed before we find whatever is there.

"Alright, let's head to a bend in the river that's about 15 km ahead. We'll rest there and then head out the next morning for the mountain. Pick up your gear lets go so we can get there before dark."

As we head deeper into the grasslands the pressure gets heavier and heavier. It feels like the air has become more viscous. I can see the others are sweating and breathing heavy from the strain as well. Our bodies aren't used to the abundant mana in the air.

It's like going from sea level to an elevation of 20,000 feet or vice-versa. Our bodies will need time to adjust.

The area is bizarre, even after all this time we still haven't come across anything alive barring some insects, even those were becoming scarce. With such a nourishing environment how could there be no animals here? Does that presence I felt earlier have anything to do with it?

We're almost there maybe some rest will ease this anxiousness, "Alright just up ahead is the river bend, lets set up camp and get a good nights rest. William, you get the first watch."

We set up our tent and make a fire. Without anything to hunt nearby we can only eat our tasteless rations. At least we won't starve but this is disappointing. Maybe we should of went into that cave, some fried spider would be good about now.

Though, with all the animals gone who knows if it's even still there. As long as we take out the toxins it would be good... I should stop thinking about food, gotta get up early tomorrow.