As we continued wandering the forest with the Hero, it started to get late. Normally when traveling, you set up camp fairly early as finding a good camping spot can be difficult, especially when you’re in the middle of a forest. When we told that to the Hero though, he just told us to trust him. So… same as usual, I guess.
Then, as the sun was actually starting to set, and everyone was getting really worried that we would have to just sleep against some random trees, we came across a clearing.
We quickly got a bit annoyed by how lucky the Hero was, seemingly relying heavily on it just so we could travel for a bit longer. I felt the same, at least, at first. But when I really thought about it, we basically headed straight here, almost as if this was our destination all along. And I wasn’t the only one who noticed, it seems, as Rapunzel had a rare expression of surprise and uncertainty, as she seemed to contemplate the possibility of this being intentional. While it is still too early to be certain, the Hero’s confident smile almost seems justified. I can’t help but look forward to the upcoming days, to see if my feeling was right.
But that brings up another question. If this was our destination, how did the Hero know? I’m almost positive he would say the Gods told him if we asked, but if they did, When? How? Why? To be able to not only remember this location, but actually arrive here? I could see that working in a city, with its mostly organized roads, signs, and understandable landmarks. But in a forest? I know it is possible to recognize your way through a forest, as that's basically what Rapunzel does for a living. But most travel through unfamiliar terrain should be rough. It’s definitely not precise enough to just find some random clearing that you’ve never been to. So, does that mean that the Gods are currently guiding the Hero directly? Why though? No other hero has had nearly this much interaction with the Gods. Just what makes Franklin so different?
Well, worrying about this won’t help me right now though. If I don’t set up my tent, I’ll be sleeping in the open. I’ve tried that before, when I was younger, and it wasn’t very fun. I’d rather not have a repeat experience if I can help it.
That’s when the Hero offered. ”I’ll set up all of your tents and make everyone dinner, as well as help pack up your tents and make you all breakfast, all in exchange for not having to keep watch at night.”
Before anyone could respond, he continued. ”Why don’t we just try my plan for now to see if it’s worth doing. If you guys aren’t satisfied, we can just do it your way next time.” He smiled confidently.
He seems awfully confident in his skills. Before I could comment though, Rapunzel agreed, saying. “Why don’t we see how he does? Worst case, we just camp out how we initially expected.” She then handed her tent to the Hero.
Rapunzel almost seems to have grown numb to the Hero’s actions at this point. Though it seems she’s alone in that mentality. Even Gregory’s business smile was becoming strained. Saying in frustration. “Understood, let us see how capable our capableHero really is.”
To try to ease some of the tension, Hansen offered. “I can use my summons to keep watch, but it would be best to have someone with them at all times, just in case.”
“Why do your summons need supervision?” Melly couldn’t help but ask.
“My current spirits are about as intelligent as wild animals. While I can fully trust them myself, everyone else I’ve traveled with found depending exclusively on them to be insufficient.” Hansen said while shrugging.
“Is there any way to solve such an issue?” Gregory inquired.
“Find and contract a more intelligent spirit.”
“May I ask why you have not done so already?” Gregory questioned.
“The only one I’ve found wasn’t interested in entering a contract with me.”
“Why?” I couldn’t help but ask.
“They didn’t like me.” He replied flatly.
“Oh” I said, shocked. “I’m sorry.”
Hanse just shrugged. “That's just how it is with spirits.”
As I was struggling with the conversation, the Hero suddenly announced, “Dinner is ready!”
It was then that I noticed that while we were talking, the Hero had prepared our dinner as well as set up our tents. “How’d he finish so quickly?” I ask.
“He seems to be very experienced with setting up tents.” Melly answered. “ I can’t comment on the food without trying it first though.”
“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Rapunzel said as she went to get food. “What is for dinner?” She asked.
“Grilled rabbit salad.” He responds. “With a freshly made dressing.” When did he hunt a rabbit? Or make dressing? Or get any of the ingredients for that matter?
Ignoring my confusion for now, I thanked the Hero with a bow. “Thank you for the food, Mr. Roosevelt.” He then smiled as if I told him some sort of joke. Did I say something odd? Haa, I still don’t remotely understand the Hero. Hopefully I can gain a basic understanding of him soon. Until then though, the Hero shall remain an enigma.
After we sat down at the proper table and chairs the Hero brought for some reason, he said, “Thank you for the food.” While clasping his hands together.
Did, did the Hero just thank himself for the food he cooked and even gathered the ingredients for? He’s got the same smile he had earlier as he looks at our confusion. Whatever I guess, let’s focus on the food for now.
And, once I tried the food, I couldn’t help but be shocked.
“This is amazing!” I almost thought my thoughts had manifested, before realizing it was Melly that shouted.
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“Indeed.” Hansen agreed.
“It’s almost like this was made by a professional chef.” I complimented.
“Not almost, is. This salad is at least at the level of my family’s chef, if not better.” Gregory corrected. Well, if anyone would know what good food was, it would be our local noble Gregory.
“Satisfied?" The Hero asked with that same confident smile. We could only nod in response. “Then I’ll see you all tomorrow.” He said before retiring to his tent.
“Was he a professional chef in his world?” Gregory asked in shock. Do chefs have exceptional skill in combat? I can understand everyone not wanting to question that though. The world that the heroes come from is supposed to be fairly peaceful and lack mana, so a hero who is skilled at combat likely has a concerning background, to say the least. At least he didn’t start using high-level magic right away. While the original world of the heroes does seem to give them an advantage at learning magic, and the Gods often give their heroes an initial understanding of, and ability to use, magic, already being proficient would lead to one inevitable question: Was the Hero actually the one chosen by the Gods, or was he someone that somehow hijacked the summoning ritual? Haa, hopefully I’m just being paranoid. Since it seems like everyone is also trying to avoid bringing that up, I’ll do the same, at least for now.
“I’ll take first watch.” Rapunzel announced, interrupting our thoughts. “Hansen, could you use your summons to assist us?”
“Indeed.” He said before summoning two foxes and three owls. “They should alert you should anything come close, but they can have difficulties discerning what is and isn’t something to be concerned about.”
“Understood, thank you. So, Elizabeth, you have second watch, Gregory third, and Melly last. Since Hansen’s summons are assisting everyone, and we currently have a deal with Franklin, they don’t need to keep watch. Any problems?” Rapunzel asked. “Then I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
I had a surprisingly easy time falling asleep. Alas, I had to be woken up for my watch. After waking me up, Rapunzel then, instead of going to sleep, stayed.
“Is there something you want to talk to me about?” I eventually ask.
“What do you think about Franklin? Not his personality, but how he’s acted. I’m certain you’ve noticed how strange he is.”
I can’t help but sigh. “He definitely raises several red flags, but nothing bad enough to actually do anything about it. He definitely is hiding a lot from us though.”
“I agree, concerning, but not quite an immediate threat. It doesn’t help that the way he acts is getting on everyone’s nerves, though. It’s only the first day, but I’m already concerned that a fight will break out soon.” Rapunzel worried.
“I wonder about that.” I doubted.
“Why?”
“While I’m far from certain, he vaguely seems like he has everything under his control, with him pushing just enough to not cause any real problems.”
“That might actually be worse. Where did you even get such an idea?” She asked with concern.
“Just the feeling I get from his confidence. It just feels like he is following some plan. As I said though, it’s definitely way too soon to be jumping to conclusions.”
“I can’t say I agree with you. There’s no way for him to understand us and this world well enough to accomplish such a feat.” She disagreed. “I think his confidence has to be either a bluff or arrogance, though I will admit, I can see how you’d get that idea.”
“Yeah, sadly all we can really do is wait and see, as we won’t figure anything out by just thinking about it.”
“You’re right, but we should still be cautious of him.” She cautioned.
“Of course, I only think that he knows what he’s doing, whether that's a good thing for us though.” I shrug. “Only he knows.”
“And that would be even more concerning than if he was just overconfident.” Rapunzel sighs. “I’ll bid you farewell for tonight, Elizabeth. Remember, Gregory is next.”
“Good night, Rapunzel.”
“What a cheery point to end our conversation.” I mumbled. As I kept watch, I sadly failed to keep my own advice and kept thinking about our conversation. By the time I eventually swapped watch with Gregory, I had completely exhausted myself. So despite seeming to want to tell me something, I bid him a good night. Sadly, I had a much harder time falling asleep this time. At least I was rested decently enough by the time I woke up. That is, until it was time for breakfast.
Proving that yesterday wasn’t just a fluke or one off, our breakfast was exceptional. I couldn’t help but feel invigorated by it. Despite being lost in our meal, I did make sure to notice the efficiency in which the Hero packed up our camp.
“I’ll admit it.” Melly started. “I think the Hero’s deal is fair. The quality of food and the ease of setting up camp are worth him not having to keep watch with us.”
“I agree,” said Gregory. “His skill is truly exceptional, so his confidence is certainly justified, in this case at least.”
“Indeed.” Hansen approved.
“It appears that we are all in agreement.” Rapunzel confirmed. “Franklin, we agree to your proposal.”
“I thank you for your praise, I won’t let you down. So, once everyone has finished getting ready, let's head out.”
“Why the rush?” Rapunzel asks.
“I have somewhere I want to go.”
“I see. Then I suppose we should hurry with our preparations.”
“Thank you for understanding.” He smiled politely.
So, we quickly finished getting ready and headed off. As usual, the Hero was leading the way. I can't help but wonder where we were going though.
In the end, our day passed the same way as before, even ending with the Hero somehow leading us to some clearing. I’m starting to be convinced that this was intentional. Haa, he’s even been personally killing every enemy that has appeared. While I do admit that he is killing them very efficiently, not having anything to do is annoying. It doesn’t help that we still don’t know anything about our mysterious destination.
The Hero isn’t being very helpful either, saying things like, “You will find out soon.” and “Don’t worry, I have a plan.” whenever asked about where we are going or what we are doing. Even though we know that we have at least a few years before we'll begin our conflict with the demons in full, our idle time and lack of clear goals or plans has left us frustrated.
Haa, I wonder if any of the past hero parties went through anything like this? Most people have grown up hearing the stories of past heroes and their epic journeys, with their seemingly impossible tasks only being possible because of their unbreakable bonds with each other. It’s fairly obvious that we would end up comparing our journey with theirs. While I know that the stories skip most of the journey, especially the more mundane or less favorable parts, with everything else likely being embellished, I still can’t help but compare. I’m certain that I’m not the only one thinking like this, too. While no one has mentioned any past heroes and their journeys yet, I feel it’s only a matter of time until someone does, purposely or not. I hope we can resolve our current issues before that happens, otherwise a fight might actually break out.
At least morale was slightly improved with the ease of setting up camp and the delicious food. While that definitely helps hold us together, that alone won't be enough to pacify everyone for long.