-South Part of the Forest, Far North of Order of Light City-

We continued our exploration through the forest and it was peaceful. There are no signs of elves or any monster in the area. It wasn't supposed to be this easy. They should know by now that we are in their territory.

We arrived at the dungeon they were talking about. The entrance was really big but the big question is why is it still unexplored knowing that elves know this area? They should have already explored it by now but they didn't.

I went to Ms. Celeste because my guts tell me that this is not normal. When it's quiet and peaceful, most of the time, that's when the horror starts.

"Ms. Celeste, I don't think this is a good time to explore the dungeon. There are no elves in the area. They should have already explored it by now but instead, they are nowhere to be found," I whispered to her.

"Yeah, I already thought of that but what can I do? It's the order from the higher ups," She whispered back. Well, that sounds awful. If some of us start exploring the dungeon team by team, it will be a great time for foes to ambush us when there only a few people left outside.

"How about you go scout the area with your party? Then report back if you get to see something suspicious," She asked. Well, I don't have any confidence that we would survive if we get ambushed in this forest. It's a good place to set up traps and ambushes for crying out loud.

"Hmm. Sure. It will be dangerous, though,"As if I have a choice.

"Nah. You managed to defeat one of the most notorious gangs around the city so I'm sure you will survive somehow. Haha," She grinned with a face that looks like she's having fun. She's the leader of the expedition so... somehow, I need to do it. What a sadist...

I returned to my group to tell them the plan.

"Guys, I know this sounds stupid but Ms. Celeste asked us to check the area because the place is really suspicious," I explained to them what is happening right now.

"Sure, and it sounds really stupid, but are you really ok with that? We might get killed there, not to mention we just bought our equipment. There will be no guards to collect that for us," Elou got a point. That sounds awful to us but it's a good way to explore the forest. Though they're still Rank B even after defeating the Bandit Boss.

"Well, as if we have a choice, right? Just don't get too far away from me," They just nodded and decided to just go with it.

We left the area near the dungeon and started to explore more.

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-The deeper part of South Forest-

I realized that our party is almost three days old now yet we still don't know much about each other. I think it's time for small talks.

"Hey guys, I don't want to be rude or something but we are traveling and exploring for days now maybe we should open up for a bit. It would be awesome if the girls could speak up a bit, right?" I suggested, without a feeling of intruding or something.

"Oh Hello, we just thought that we don't want to disturb your concentration or something but yeah, we'll try," Akko's pretty open but doesn't have the chance to talk. Oh, well so far, Akko can talk a bit but her little sister is too shy.

"I sometimes get too serious when fighting but at times like this, it would really great if we can chat, right? Anyways, how's the adventure so far for you?" I asked.

"The new scenery doesn't hurt, though the silence is a bit disturbing," Akko right. It's pretty quiet It's so silent that it's really unsettling.

"Yeah that's why we are checking the area out, how about you Lili?" I asked.

She just looked at me with a blank expression...

"Well, to be honest, we're tired of running and walking. Our feet hurt and we're really hungry," Akko said. Oh right. We have a one-hour break but didn't have the chance to eat in the game.

"How about we rest for a while and eat? I'm pretty sure the players are doing the same," I suggested.

"Oh ok, we should try the food we bought earlier today. Let me just prepare it for you guys" Akko's really helpful and cheerful while Lili's the opposite. It's like she's bored but I'm not sure.

"Elou is the one who's in charge of buying the food. So just eat to your heart's content," I said.

"Hey! Who said I'm the one in charge of buying our food?" He exclaimed.

"Haha. I was just kidding. By the way, I'm planning on buying a wagon for us to travel easily. We have two girls in our party, right? What do you think?" I asked them.

"They say that horses are kind of expensive. Can we really afford it?" Akko asked.

"Well, maybe not now but how about taming our own? Well, there are some other animals that we can use other than the horse, right?" I suggested.

"..." Lili just stared at me while eating. It's like she wants to say something but I'm not sure...

"I'm sorry Scy for the behavior of my Sis. She can't really express her feelings but I can tell that she enjoys the adventure," Akko explained.

"No worries. I find it cute, though," I smiled at them. Lili blushed for a moment and looked away. She's cute.

*WOOOOOSSSSHHH! TIIIIIIIING!* A sudden attack out of nowhere. It was a throwing knife! Thank God, I have a shield on my back and managed to react on time and blocked it with my shield as soon as I heard the sound of the projectile.

"It's really rude to just attack you know," I said.

"Oh, good defense there human. I'm pretty sure you'll be dead by now if you got hit by that," He said provocatively. A male elf! And I thought it was a female, what a disappointment. Why show up now?

(ELF THIEF RANK: B)

"Hey there. It's nice to meet you too. Though, it wasn't fun what you just did," I looked at him pretty serious.

"So, you're acting like you did nothing, Humans! You raided our village and for us who escaped the raid are doing our best to survive! You filthy humans!" He rushed towards us this time and so I stood up to intercept his attack.

He tried to stab me with blades both in his hands but I stopped him by holding his wrists. He's not that strong but he was agile. I forcedly kicked his legs to cause him to stumble into the ground. Elou helped me tie him with some ropes.

"Now, now, I think it's time we talk peacefully or it will be unpleasant for you, ok?" I suggested.