In the last chapter, Ember, accompanied by Mister Ryu, seals a deal with Grandmaster Blacksmith but concludes their meeting abruptly to avoid unwanted attention from potential adversaries in the skies. As they prepare for their ascent to a new Sky, they express gratitude to the Citadel and embark on a journey through an ancient teleportation gate. Arriving in the Forest of Cradles, a daunting challenge awaits them – to prove their worth by confronting formidable beasts. Despite Ember's initial inclination to eliminate the creatures, Mister Ryu advises patience and gathering information. The duo navigates the forest, discovering a mysterious task that requires a refined approach. The Forest of Cradles holds hidden truths, compelling Ember to approach the challenge with wisdom and careful observation.
Concurring with their instincts, the pair decided to temporarily halt their reconnaissance before initiating it, deeming it wiser to assess the surroundings before plunging forward recklessly. They established a campsite by a leisurely flowing stream, surrounded by a plentiful supply of edible herbs in the vicinity.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, yielding to the moon that illuminated the night sky, the duo shared their evening meal and embarked on a discussion regarding the upcoming course of action. Surprisingly, the meeting concluded almost as swiftly as it had commenced, focusing on the immediate task at hand—uncovering clues about the mysterious island.
"Mr. Ryu, why bother searching for clues about the island? Wouldn't identifying a suitable beast expedite our task completion? It's perplexing; you often appear to know everything yet act as if you're in the dark. It raises suspicions, but simultaneously, there's an absence of any indication that you harbor ill intentions towards me," Ember questioned.
"Ember, as a shrewd merchant, your unwavering convictions and self-assurance convinced me that investing in you would yield greater profits. Beyond the mercantile aspect, walking alongside you is far from dull; time seems to fly, and your expeditions have brought valuable treasures. I don't claim to know everything; I simply prefer thorough research before delving into things," Mister Ryu expressed.
"As for delving into the island's mysteries, merely hunting a beast may not yield significant results. Let's add some excitement to our search; we might stumble upon something truly valuable," Mister Ryu exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with anticipation and a hint of greed.
"Your actions are becoming increasingly dubious. How do we put an end to this greed of yours? If you could shed some light on that, I would appreciate it," Ember remarked.
"For the time being, let's keep a low profile and navigate the forest without causing any disturbances. I believe traversing through the heart of the forest might provide some advantage; if not, we can always consider your plan," Mister Ryu suggested.
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"Alright, so we're heading to the center of the forest. The challenge is, every direction appears quite uniform, filled with trees and lacking distinctive features to identify the center. What's your suggestion? Should we attempt each side until we find it?" Ember inquired.
"Exploring every direction could consume a significant amount of time, which I assume you wouldn't want to waste. Anticipating this, I took precautions. I requested a map as compensation for my time from the High Manager. Although the map is aged and outlines only the general structure of the forest, considering no one has explored every inch, I propose we head towards the elevated areas, perhaps a hill, in the forest. What are your thoughts?" Mister Ryu explained.
"So, this was all premeditated. Our meeting was orchestrated to guide me in the direction you intended, and I walked into it like a naive child. It appears you believe you have everything figured out," Ember remarked.
"Miss Ember, I believe there's a misunderstanding. Acquiring the map was a proactive measure for future tasks and as a travel record; it had no direct correlation with our meeting. You needn't be overly suspicious. We are partners, and I assure you, I would never betray you, even if it meant risking my life – though such a situation is highly improbable," Mister Ryu clarified.
"Your responses to my inquiries consistently appear logical, often swaying me towards considering your ideas as the most prudent course of action. Well, I suppose I'll go along with it this time too. Please take the lead," Ember acknowledged.
Under Mister Ryu's guidance, the pair navigates the forest seamlessly. Despite encountering numerous beasts, they opt to sidestep unnecessary battles, prioritizing a low-profile approach. This strategy enhances their search, minimizing energy expenditure and allowing them to accumulate valuable items along the way. After a day of searching for elevated terrain in the forest, the duo decides to take a break from scouting.
As they enjoy their break, Mister Ryu takes the opportunity to share more insights about the Forest of Cradles and its mysterious nature. He explains that the forest has a unique ability to conceal its true features, making it a challenging terrain for explorers. The elevation they seek might not be easily visible from a distance, adding an additional layer of complexity to their search.
Ember, appreciating Mister Ryu's openness, shares her thoughts on the journey so far. She expresses gratitude for his guidance and acknowledges the wisdom in their chosen approach of avoiding unnecessary battles. Mister Ryu, in turn, commends Ember for her adaptability and willingness to trust his judgment.
Engaging in further discussion, Ember and Mister Ryu found themselves contemplating a shift in their search strategy. Instead of rigidly adhering to the map's guidance, they opted for a more intuitive approach by closely examining the topography of their immediate surroundings. Determined to gain a deeper understanding of the Forest of Cradles, they commenced their reconnaissance with a renewed focus on the natural features and contours of the terrain.
The decision to veer away from blindly following the map stemmed from their realization that the forest's dynamic and ever-changing nature might render the aged document less reliable. As they embarked on their exploration, Ember and Mister Ryu paid meticulous attention to the subtle nuances of the landscape. They observed how the terrain shifted, noting the variations in elevation, the density of vegetation, and the patterns formed by the natural elements around them.
……. To be Continued.