As Arthur had wanted, we decided to take on several quick hunting [Quests] in the plains, hunting down slimes, boars, and the occasional eagle in the area. Sure, the rewards were a bit skimpy compared to our previous [Quests], but this was a good way for us to gain [EXP] and hopefully some ingredients for my [Cooking] skill and shop back in . Eventually, we went back to town to report our completed [Quests] to the and claim our rewards. However, as we waited, I noticed something odd inside.

Looking around, I notice that most players are staring at me like before, only this time, they seemed wary and avert their eyes when I took notice of them seemingly gossiping to each other. And for some, if I continue staring at them, they will leave the guild in silence. This seems weird; there’s nothing strange about my appearance since I’m just playing as a normal [Human] being in this game. Plus, even if he is playing a strange race, Kazu isn't here with me at the time. So why was I getting such unwanted attention right now?

"Hey, Wind! It's almost our turn!"

I quickly shake my head as soon as I heard Arthur's voice nearby, at which I noticed that my friends are a few feet away from me, nearing a brunette-haired woman behind the counter.

"O-Oh. Sorry about that. I got distracted there for a bit." I ran back to my friends, taking my eyes off the other players staring at me. I doubt they will stop gossiping behind my back, but I know that I couldn't breach their privacy purely because of my suspicions and paranoia about them. However, there is someone who might know what's going on here. “I was wondering if you guys have any clue about what's going on here in lately."

To my surprise, I noticed Arthur's eyes widen as he starts to show signs of sweat on his forehead before he turned away from me like the others. I know that he knows something is going on, but I didn't expect him to react negatively.

"W-What exactly do you mean, Wind?" Arthur asked as his voice trembles despite his attempt to calm down. "There's nothing wrong in the game so far."

I groan in response to his poor attempt to lie. I know he had something to hide behind the players' sudden interest towards me and I had a feeling it was not going to be easy to pry from him.

"Don't try to act like you don't know anything. You're the only one in our group other than Kazu who has paid attention to the game's updates and news. So you know why is everyone acting like I’m some criminal in or something."

"O-Oh, that? Well, maybe it’s because you’ve spent so much time with Kazu lately, that everyone noticed his absence by now."

Is that the reason why everyone was acting so strange?! I doubt it. Besides, shouldn't there have been some kind of mark next to my name or something to signify my status as Kazu's [Guardian Player]? In any case, I refuse to accept that as a good reason.

"Nice try. It’s something more than Kazu's absence, so I suggest you stop stalling and explain what's going on here."

I thought it would get me some answers since Arthur starts to sweat. But instead, Razul just grab my arm and pulled me towards the counter, and said, "Okay, I know you're suspicious about the unwanted attention. But maybe you should calm down and ignore them for now. I think you're getting more attention by acting like a bad cop."

Was I? I look around the guild house, which instead of seeing them chattering each other, the players are now staring at me with confusion and disbelief on their faces. I guess I’d gone a bit too far with questioning Arthur about the current situation. So I back off once Razul released my arms and sheepishly scratched the back of my head.

"Oh... Sorry about that. I just wanted some answers about this unwanted attention, but I guess I’ve gotten a bit paranoid because of it."

Razul sighed as Arthur rubs his shoulder and stares at me in fear after my confrontation.

"Let's just claim our rewards and [Quests] before things get too awkward..."

Razul's right. All I can do is to avert my eyes away from the public as we finish up on our [Quest]-related chores in the guild.

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An hour has passed and we were back at the plains outside as we continued hunting some [Wild Boars] in the area. While Arthur had gone back to his usual reckless self, I feel a bit guilty for interrogating him like some wanted criminal. I'm guessing the unwanted attention I got back in town had got to me. Even if I managed to defeat one boar or two, all I could do is sigh in dismay over my small mistake.

"Hey, if you're still bummed out about earlier, don't worry about it. I know you don't like attention, but you don't need to get all Mr. Tin Foil with everything." I heard Arthur behind me as I hear footsteps.

"It's just that the players are acting all suspicious with me for some reason, and I thought you might have an idea why."

But as I turn around, I saw that Arthur is shaking again as he said with his trembling voice, "W-What do you mean? There's nothing wrong about you and an- OW!"

To my surprise, Razul kicks Arthur from behind and glares at him before turning towards me.

"What he meant to say is that you shouldn’t be so worried about those things. You're kind of thinking too much about this and like you said, it's just some unwanted attention. Just ignore it and you'll be okay."

That’s true. I can get overboard with my theories and thoughts and maybe this is just one of them.

"You're right. But still..."

"But nothing!" Arthur spoke up after he recovers from the kick Razul gave him. "Seriously, Wind. The main point of is to do anything you like and don't let anyone obstruct you from what you want to be in this fantasy world! Don't let any hate or negative rumors get the best of you."

I sigh again. Kazuki had said many times that he wanted us to enjoy the game as we like. All I can do is to endure it and continue playing as u-

"Huh? What's that?" I muttered as I noticed something far away behind my friends.

"What do you me- H-HEY!!!"

I quickly grab Arthur and Razul by their collars and drag them behind a nearby tree and rock to hide. Once we did, I hushed both of them before poking my head back up to see what I had just seen a few seconds earlier. We’re fighting near the entrance of the and as I expected, I noticed several armored men wielding swords and spears near the gate. I would rule them out as players, but what’s different about them is that some of them were holding several flags with a design of a lion and a cross similar to some national flags back in the real world.

"H-Hey, Wind! What's the hold-up back there?!" Arthur's voice rang out, at which I quickly hushed him again.

"Do you want them to find us?!" I whispered to him in annoyance. "Just give it a second!"

Since they don't look like monsters or enemies, using a [Hunting] ability isn't needed. Instead, I rely on the NPC's header to find out more about them. As I saw their names at the top of their heads, however, he quietly gasped as I read through it.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"[Royal Soldiers]! And all of them have blue crystals with their names!"

"Blue crystals?! As in those soldiers are NPCs?!" Arthur blurted out before Razul and I hush him again to be quiet. "If what you said is true, then those soldiers must come from some kind of a royal city around here."

"Is there such place in ?"

"Geez, Wind. Try to be like your brother and read the official site and wiki sometime. may be a starting city of the game, but there is a city not far from here and it's where the game's main story [Quests] is. Plus, it's where the king and queen of the kingdom that we're in right now reside."

King and queen? So this world or rather, this country runs on a monarchy system like in European medieval history.

"If that's true, then is it possible that those soldiers came here by the king's orders?" Razul asked us, which made me realized something.

"It could be..."

As Bai Hu predicted, the kingdom had turned their attention to that forest ever since Kazu and I defeated the [Black Willow]. If that's the case, then I have a feeling that this could turn into a big incident if they learn more about the source of the plague inside.

"In any case, we shouldn't jump to conclusions until we learn more about their presence at that forest. Arthur, can Wind use maybe some kind of hearing ability from one of his [Masteries]?"

"Hmmm... I think I read from their latest official notice that they are planning to add something to the [Hunting] after the next maintenance this Monday to adjust the [Mastery] after some feedback. But even if Wind could use it, only he could hear them."

"Then what about an item? If that exists, would we able to overhear in our current party?" I suggested.

"Maybe there is. Hey, Raz. Do you remember that strange item we got from that [Quest]?"

Razul's eyes blinked in confusion for a few seconds until he gasped and said, "Oh, I see. I think I understand now."

----------------------------------------

A few minutes later, we managed to move to another large rock without being seen, which is a bit closer towards the entrance. It isn't much since we were still far away from the [Royal Soldiers], but it’s enough for us to eavesdrop on them. Thankfully, Razul gave something to me before we moved our hiding spot to help us, so I take it out from my inventory, at which a strange mechanical mosquito and a small crystal orb appeared on my hands.

[Crystal Coil]

[A mosquito-shaped magical device that captures all kinds of audio that you and your allies can listen in through a special crystal orb. The item will be destroyed after 5 minutes or the user chooses to deactivate it.

Quality: 5]

While the description was a bit weird, it didn't bother me too much as I prepare to throw the mosquito device towards them and aimed it as such. Once I did, I see the device's crystal "eyes" begin to glow as it flies towards the bushes before I duck back behind the boulder. Razul, Arthur, and I turn our attention towards the small orb as it glowed blue.

[So did you detect anything inside the forest?] The voice of the soldier rang inside my head, much to my surprise as I cover my mouth to avoid making any unnecessary sounds.

[According to the mages inside, there are no signs of corrupted [Mana] anywhere,] another with a gruff voice answered. [Not only that, most of the trees and flora in the forest have started to grow back. Which means the [Guardian of the Forest] is still alive.]

[At least that's good news. If he dies, there's no telling what will happen to the without him or the .]

So they know about Bai Hu and the true nature. If that's the case, that means the monarchy possesses knowledge that not even Arthur or other hardcore players know about. But their conversation aside...

<>

<> Arthur remarked through the whisper voice chat. <>

<> Razul spoke up.

<>

I wish we can talk more about this, but all we can do right now is to continue listening to the soldiers' conversation.

[Sir, can I speak on behalf of the royal magician?] A younger man's voice spoke up inside my head.

[You have permission to speak, novice,] the older voice approved.

[She closely examined the strange plague that suddenly appeared in the and as she suspected she detected signs of artificial [Mana] and since it is inside the forest are mostly natural, she confirmed that the corrupted [Mana] was made my magic.]

So Bai Hu is right again. The plague and the [Black Widow] were man-made, so there is a possibility that there is a culprit behind the incidents. But for some reason, I heard some gasps behind me. When I looked around though, I noticed that Arthur and Razul somehow coughing and whistling for no reason. Strange... I thought I heard gasps from them.

[So you're saying that someone created and unleashed that plague? That sounds a bit far-fetched, even from a respectable magician like her.]

[She did say that it's just a hypothesis. She can't confirm it without investigating more in the forest.]

[So I guess we have no choice but to wait until the investigation is finished. I understand. We'll set up camp in the forest tonight. I'll send a messenger bird with today's report back to the castle.]

After listening to their conversation, I decided to deactivate the [Crystal Coil] before I signaled to my friends for us to leave immediately as discreetly as possible. Once we slipped away, we ran straight to the plains' river area where we stopped to catch our breath.

"A-Are you sure we have to leave so fast?" Arthur asked. "We only got half of the information we got from those soldiers."

"I'm sure. Besides, I think I got the reason behind their stay inside the [Tested Wilds], and what's going inside lately. For now, we should leave them to their duties and focus on our [Quests] today."

"You're right. We only have about a few hours in the game before bedtime, so let's make the most of our time here," Razul said as he pulled his gun-lie weapon.

"True. I'm only a few [Lapi] away from commissioning my very own custom sword! I can't wait!"

"Yeah. But before we do, can I ask if you guys know what those soldiers are discussing? I thought I heard some gasps from you two when the older soldier talked about some kind of plague."

As soon as I said this, their eyes widened as their expression changed into shock, at which I guess they indeed know about it. But before I can ask any more, Arthur quickly grabs my arm and pulls me away as he said, "Now, how about we should finish up some [Wild Boars] and get back to town as soon as possible?"

"Huh? Hey, wait! I-"

I didn't finish my sentence as he continues pulling my arm towards the monster area with Razul strangely not helping me getting out of his grip. Still, it’s almost our bedtime, so I had no choice but to concede for today.

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[There's one more thing I have to report to you, commander,] the younger soldier spoke up as the said captain finished ordering the other soldiers, who are waiting outside the .

[Huh, is there anything else regarding the magician's investigation?] He asked.

[Not only did we find the remains of the suspected artificial [Mana], she also found traces of [Mana] that belonged to both a [Human] and an [Insignis].]

The commander's stoic expression turns into shock as soon as he heard the last word.

[An [Insignis]?! That's impossible. I thought the [Insignis] living in this forest were gone years ago.]

[That's the thing, sir. She also detected that their [Mana] seemed to be similar to each other and there no traces of corruption in either of them. She suspected that they are likely siblings and that they are responsible for the plague's downfall.]

The commander hums as he thought about the new report. He knew the [Insignis] were very rare in in this era, but he didn't expect he would encounter traces of adventurers who might belong to a mixed family of [Human] and [Insignis].

[A messenger bird isn't enough to report this strange sighting,] He muttered before he turns to a soldier wearing silver-plated armor near him. [Get this report to the king as soon as you can. I have a feeling that these two figures might be the key to ending this terrifying string of incidents in . I just hope we can find them before it's too late.]

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Wind's Masteries

[Archery] Level 17

[Woodcrafting] Level 7

[Swordsmanship] Level 16

[Cooking] Level 6

[Wind] Level 13

[Physical Enhancement] Level 14

[Hunting] Level 14