Hiking the Wilds 3

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They hiked up the gently incline, enjoying the cool water on their feet. Across the brook, the forest suddenly changed colors, from red leaves to dark brown spikes and purple moss, like the Steppes. It was quite empty, and behind it the same forest could be seen.

As they went, Lester the tour guide and chirpy Dagger described the path in great detail, information Tommy would have completely missed had it not been pointed out.

"Don't worry, sunflies are harmless." "Look Leader, that crow from last time." "

"It's like you know everything."

"Of course, it's my backyard."

"That's the job."

"What do you mean?"

"We take the same route every time, either the one downstream, or up."

"Wherever there's goods."

"Yeah, If anyone else has already been that way, there is not much point in us retreading their path. They would report the discoveries and pick the area clean of anything one can sell. It will be a wasted trip."

"What if both ways are the same?"

"Ah, then we are out of luck. We only know two routes. To be able to tell if things have changed, we have to know how they looked earlier. Going where you've been is safe. I've been researching a new route for a while actually."

"Where where? I want to go."

"Too soon, Dagger. We need to upgrade our equipment. Be ready to stay out overnight and all. I do have the map but we'll need money to bid. So much to do.. ahhh.." Lester said in a forlorn voice but a smile was plastered on his face as he stared at the sky.

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"Overnight means Tier 3 zones?"

"Yeah, it practically connects our two routes. We'll be able to do the whole circuit in about a day. Three quests at once, if we are lucky."

"Awesome!~"

"What's Tier -"

"Stop. Fatty will explain the Tiers to you. He has waited months. It's practically a rite of passage."

"Ah, ok."

The rock under rose up, their feet a few meters above the stream which passed through narrow gullies. Tommy couldn't see the bottom anymore, as the water foamed. Others had put their shoes back on, so did Tommy.

Scenery mutated as well, into a patch of tall green grass. Lime green. With white flowers like fireworks weighing the stalks down.

"How are there so many of these.. Wilds? Is the whole forest like this?"

"Of course not. Only the patrol routes."

"Oh? How come?"

"Don't ask me. Something about probability and stuff. Every month, Academy sends new maps, adding and removing sections. We just follow."

"Hey Leader, not picking the puff-rice?" Dagger said, tensing.

"Nope. Never again if I can help it. Itchy bastards taste like soggy cardboard."

"Good."

Tension eased out of her, until she heard,

"Actually, pick a dozen and hold them. Just in case."

"Uwu.. Noooo!"