Chapter 5
After exiting from the south gate, Blue and I took the [Virtue Road] straight to the south-eastern forests of Graccea. From time to time, stray goblins would show up and attack us. This time, two goblins appeared out of the bushes and pulled out their slingshots while aiming toward Blue. But with a quick side step, Blue avoided harm without breaking a sweat.
“Try directing your mana into one of your toes and see what happens,” I said after seeing those two goblins were the perfect dummies to teach her how to use her boots.
“Directing my mana to what? How do I do that?”
“Imagine it, Blue. Watch how this works.” I drew the wooden sword on my waist and firmly held it with both hands. “See my right hand touching this gem? I’ll use that as a link to supply mana to my spirit stone.”
I did as I told her, channeling my inner mana to feed the spirit residing in the stone. As the spirit responded with a verdant glow, my wooden sword extended and pierced the dumbstruck goblins like an elastic vine.
“The more mana you pour, the stronger the weapon gets. The effect varies from spirit to spirit, so it’s best to experiment with different ones until you’ve find the one to your liking.”
“But I still don’t get it, Claude. What do I need to imagine?”
I swung the blood off my blade and began harvesting the goblin fangs. “Feel it in your heart, Blue. Mana streams in our blood with each pump.”
“Your explanation is not helping at all!” Blue whined.
I sighed. “Where to even begin explaining?”
“Maybe you should start by telling me what you plan to do with those fangs.”
“This? Believe it or not, goblin fangs are processed into fertilizers. It’s the reason why we don’t fully exterminate the monsters that live around here, as we alchemists see everything as ingredient to be used.”
“So their similar to a livestock then?”
“Some of them, yes. The others are strong enough to hold their own, so it is us who stay away.” I stood up, wiped my hands dry and walked to Blue. “Now back to the main topic. Why don’t you try it, Blue. Close your eyes and imagine and don’t think about anything else.”
“Alright.” Blue acquiesced and closed her eyes. Then she snapped them open and glared at me. “If I find out you’re making fun of me, I’ll have your neck, Claude.”
“Would I lie to you?”
“Fine, you win.” Blue closed her eyes once more and inhaled deeply. “So direct this mana-thingy to my toes, right?”
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“Yes, that’s right. You’re doing great.” I watched her respiration for minutes, eager to see her success. I could see her impatience beginning to grow as she kept convulsing, and just when I thought Blue wasn’t feeling anything, a curved blade producing an icy gale solidified on her right foot.
“You did it Blue!” I excitedly told her.
Blue remained still for a few seconds before opening her eyes. She smiled at me, and then laugh after seeing the results. “I don’t even know what I’m worrying about; this is nothing special.”
“Umm, don’t get cocky now. You should learn how to control it properly if you don’t want to exhaust your mana right away. I’ve seen enough people passed out after depleting themselves.”
Blue snorted and placed her hands on her hips. “You’re such a worrywart sometimes, but you are the expert so I’ll do as you say.”
Right after that, the poor goblins that decided to hinder our path were mercilessly beaten up by Blue; Goblin limbs flying everywhere. Maybe this woman was a lot more bloodthirstier than I thought. It wasn’t something like a switch either. But it felt like she was seeing those goblins differently. Was it perhaps her own way to cope up with the stress? That was the only logical conclusion that I could think of.
Arriving at the forest entrance, I stood in front of the wooden signboard and read about the dangers ahead. Just like what Gramps had warned me about, Blade hounds are indeed part of the “beware” list. Even Sentry bats are included — this would be a tough one.
“Have you been here before?” asked Blue behind me.
“No. This area is managed by the guild so only licensed alchemists could enter. And since I just recently got my license, this would be my first time. You’re good because you’re my companion.”
“I’m not worried if we could legally enter the damn place or not. You don’t expect people to follow these laws when all you all have for regulating them is a wooden signboard.”
“True. Anyways, let’s cut to it. I heard there’s a lake nearby, and we want to reach that place before dusk. Wouldn’t want to get caught by hounds in the middle of a forest trail.”
“Hounds?”
“Yes. They're similar to wolves but a lot larger and fiercer.”
I continued walking, leaving Blue no choice but to follow after me.