Chapter 5

The city was surrounded by a massive stone gate that protected it from monster attack and invasion from alien evaders All across the wall were runes and arrives that if attack would not only increase its defense but also reflect the attackers energy. The Wall of Aegis was one of the cities pride and joy along with the unique economic system.

I arrived at the gate and was let out with no hassle by the guards. Just outside the city gates were lush greenery an a little dirty road stretch in front of me. It took me till midday to get to the Blossom Forest on foot. I avoided monster that I could while trying to keep a steady past in the midsummer sun. The trial were nothing compared to the stifling school atmosphere but the damage from yesterday still hung on my body.

I reached the sign posted signifying the entrance to the forest and saw the sharp contrast to the road. Instead of green grass ahead a large wild forest lay in front of me. The trees were thick with a rich color of brown and as endless shades of green and pink filled the leaves.

The Blossom Forest was only recommended if a person had at least the rank of a C class adventure and anything less should go in groups. Hunts for plants were usually given to students who had someone to give them backup like a senior or tutor. I had no such luck and I all honesty have almost died here more than I care to admit, so going in wasn't really my plan.

I turned west going off road keeping myself along the forest boarder. A short while later I came across

a downward slope that lead into a small stream. Taking out a piece of rope I tie it to one of the trees that seem sturdy with my weight then head back to the small cliff. I propelled down as carefully as possible taking about five minutes.

After reaching the bottom I look around till I find a small green patch by the river side. This is one form that beginner adventures call field farming. Gathering ingredients is important but one must have the skill to get them is also important. About three years ago after working at crappy inner city mission I come across a book on farming in the library. Simple herbs and plants such as the mint herd, blood root, Airmail Blossoms, and may others were included indicating the environment and conditions for them to thrive.

I bought some seeds and took my first gathering quest with five beginner plants and along the route to each I created a field plant. Mint Herbs were usually able to grow around clean water and plenty of sunlight. In the forest wild boars typically surrounded the plant as they like to eat it and because of the forest abundant fertility and easy growth conditions making possible for it to grow in such environments.

It took me months to set up each field along with planting the herbs and taking care of them. In truth I've only competed three field as the others got destroyed form other adventures finding it, monster eating them, or simple bad care on my part.

The green patch of herb was about 32 inches across and wide and was filled with the herb. I took out my gathering kit and took the recommended amount for the mission placing them into the pouch. After that I slowly harvested the rest placing the herb in my personal pouch. After that I decided to leave the field planted as not to exhausted the soil.

Learning about farming and plants had taking a big part of my academic life so far. Because plants are extensional to any medicine creation and many other thing such as pet food, or monster repellent I decided it would be something I would need. I've studied the book “1000 plants and there properties” at the school since it was free. Sure leveling up and obtain a class is my main goal but doing so blindly and with out caution can cause one there life and I like live not matter how crappy it is.

By the time I realized it the sun was setting after finishing taking care of most of my field gathering. The city gates close at night and monsters are more aggressive in the dark so traveling alone is not recommended. As such I walk over my cave I've made around here when I first decided to create the field farm. The cave was covered in moss, twigs, and rock as to block any animals or monster from making it there home. I also placed monster repellent at the entrenches and back in order to safe guard it. You know what they say you can never be to careful.

I eat some rations easing my poor stomach that I ignored all day than laid my head down on my bag to get some sleep. Since I'd plan to leave at first light and early night would help and also getting rest will help heal my body. As I laid my head down I had no idea that my life would became much more crazy from the next day onward.

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The sun was cresting over the forest when I arrived back at the top of the rock. I didn't eat breakfast to get to the city earlier and had started on my journey. Making my way past the broken rocks and patches of grass in the dim light wasn't difficult but did cost time as I trended carefully. I've reached half way when I heard the sound of steal and screaming coming to the left of me in the forest.

My questionably got the beater of me as I creep toward the sounds of conflict. Well I say questionably but typically most adventures don't bother with weak monsters and will take the monster core leaving behind the carcass. When I arrived I hide my self behind a great oak near the bushes for safety. Early in the morning is the best time to travel in the forest as most of the dangerous animals and monster are asleep and the others are just waking up.

In a small clearing were stood three well built man and one wearing a full red robe. Each held a sword wearing a clear light blue armor and shields. I couldn't see there face because of the helmets but across there bright armor and swords was traces of crimson.

There was also a women who could barely stand against the people. At her feet were two other men who wore thicker armor than the others but were down in a pile of there own blood. The woman wore expensive armor that I've only seen when window shopping in the upper district of the city. The once fine armor with silver lining and decorated in some fashion was no in taters died with either her blood of her pursuers. Her tattered armor didn't hide the voluptuous breasts from the top of her clothes because of her slim body.

Although sh had a grievous expression right now, I could imagine her with a radiant smile that could entrance any man or female. Her silver gold hair tied in small breads to her back and golden eyes made

that reflected in the small dawning sky was that of a proud and beautiful lion.

“What do you want!”(Girl)

“hehehe, little girl I think its to late to start talking don't you.”

“Dammit, you bastards.”(Girl)

“Curse all you want, once we get rid of you and complete our mission not even your esteem minster father can catch us ahahaha!”

The light was slowly fading around the girl and the men surrounded her mocked her undying will. What I did next, even now I can only call foolish to no end. Unarmed, no skill, spells, or anything except some mild plants I couldn't do anything. I slowly retreaded a small green, and purple bottle I used for emergence and took a gamble.

The plan was simple, throw the green bottle creating a smoke screen then thrown the poured in the air with the purple as a slow acting poison. It was simple but I to find the perfect timing as I hide waiting. I focused blocking out unneeded since for this one task. I don't know how much time had past nor the conversion that was going on between them. I only waited in silence waiting for my perfect moment which came when the translucent shield fell from the girl.

With out pause I threw the bottle to one of the men as they headed toward the girl. They reflexively slashed it releasing a great green smoke.

“Eh, what is this!”

“Someone is here everyone on guard!”

“Dammit kill the girl!”

Without pause I rushed out of my hiding place dashing toward to coughing girl no barely visible through the smoke.

“Who ar-”

“Shut up and come with me if you want to live.”

Without waiting for her to replay I grabbed her hand and threw the powder content in the direction of the men dashing way as swords blade came down barely missing me. I turned running as the men roared in anger and started chasing me. I'm not very fast nor strong but thanks to my years of solo adventuring in the forest I had a better lay of the land the distance kept going.

“Damm, brat I'll kill you and that girl!”

As we ran I heard pursuer that was on our tall suddenly seized up falling to the ground with a loud clank. I kept running toward the exist of the forest with the injured girl. When we reached the exist she fell passing out from her injuries and exhalation leaving me in a pickle.