Tori Transmigrated Chapter 11: Underdogs With Money

Lady Guevera, I heard that your group is looking for a map?

Tori looked up from her desk, where she was re-organizing her notes, and t the smiling face of the protagonist, who was stopping her from her studies.

The tents and sleeping bags were done earlier than expected, so the last few days before the weekend prior to their excursion, she made her group go to her aunts house to practice setting up their campsite.

Practice made familiarity and familiarity made the process easier.

However, the half hour long wagon rides to and then from Auntie Lucias, coupled with the ti it took to practice setting up and taking down their camp, drastically cut the ti available for her to habitually review her notes. In order to try to make up for it, she took advantage of the morning and afternoon break hours.

Ilyana had run off to pick up their sandwiches for lunch, insisting that Tori go through her notes.

We can take turns getting lunch, Tori had told her, but Ilyana shook her head. There was pity in her eyes as she comforted Tori.

You need to study.

Tori pursed her lips, but stopped insisting on taking turns. At any rate, Ilyana spent the weekend studying while Tori stayed overnight at her aunts house, preparing the food rations. Sonia and JP had gone to drop off what food they could get and had only briefly seen Tori hacking away at sothing in the kitchen with what JP described as obsessive determination.

The first year students would leave for the excursion tonight. It was an overnight wagon train to Alpine Valley. By tomorrow morning, they would reach the starting point and be released into the woods, like confused bears that were too accustod to being in captivity.

But before all that, imdiately after class that day, her group would et at the gates and take the wagon Ilyana rented back to her aunts, pick up their things, and then return to Lyce to join the wagon train.

Tori looked up at the beautiful young blonde protagonist standing beside her desk with a hint of suspicion. Why was she bringing up the map now, when they were scheduled to leave in a few hours?

We struggled a bit, but eventually managed to get a copy, Tori said. The map, like all their supplies, was a secret. It was more for defensive reasons that she asked her group not to ntion how their preparation was going. She knew it would only invite scrutiny and no matter what they did, people would talk or laugh. She didnt want anyone to deal with that. Tori put on a pleasant smile. Why do you ask?

Alessa smiled. I heard many groups were lacking maps, so I copied the map from Gideon.

Tori drew her head back. The Imperial Cartographers map? Each person in her group had a copy and she knew how detailed it was. Thats impressive. It wasnt an empty complint, either.

Alessa nodded. I made a few copies and am giving them out to groups who need them. Do you want one?

Okay, you know what, thats very decent of you. Thats top shelf heroine behavior. Maybe I shouldnt be too prejudiced towards you. Toris opinion of Alessa eased a bit. Thank you, Miss Hart, thats very kind of you, but my group is settled. We appreciate the offer and your hard work.

She could see a slight disappointnt in Alessas eyes, but the girl didnt lose her smile. All right, but if you need it, I have so!

Tori smiled back and gave her a slight nod. Alessa moved on to another group and offered a map. Upon realizing it was a copy of the Imperial Cartographers map, her classmates accepted and gushed with thanks, praising Alessa for being so thoughtful. As Tori looked back towards her notes, she caught sight of the three love interests in her class looking at Alessa with thoughtful expressions.

Tori had no problem with this. She was not in competition with Alessa for their affections and their relationships were none of her business. As long as they didnt bother her, she wished them the best.

Lady Guevera, are you sure you dont want a copy of the map? Dimitri called over once Ilyana had returned. Its quite detailed and will be useful.

Ilyana bit a piece of bread stuffed with at and glanced at Tori. Map?

Miss Hart made copies of the Imperial Cartographers map His Highness has and is distributing them to groups that need them, Tori said quietly. She raised her voice to answer Dimitri, but still kept her eyes on her notes. Im sure. Thank you for the offer!

I thought you were against being willfully ignorant. Gideon sounded snide. Arent you the leader of your group? You should make sure that they have all the best resources at hand.

Ilyana sat up straight. She lowered her at pie and looked ready to tell him that they, too, had a copy of the Imperial Cartographers map and that it was a better version because they spent two hours reviewing it as a group. They had mapped out their trail and camping spots, as well as marked locations of useful dicinal plants, with one of the n who put together the map.

Tori held her arm out in front of her to stop her from speaking. She lifted her head and looked across the room.

Your Highness, Miss Hart spent a painstaking amount of ti preparing those maps for those who are in need. It would be remiss of us, who were able to get a decent map, to take one that could help another group. Tori was calm as she spoke.

Gideon huffed and looked away. I still cant believe they made one of the lowest ranked students in the school their group leader....

Tori was fairly certain at this point that Gideon disliked her because he thought she was stupid and undeserving of being a Lyce student. The school had a grand reputation; it essentially supplied the future elite of the empire. If there was one student in particular who was subpar and would likely bring down its reputation, she could see that there would be so bias against them.

Not that she agreed with it.

They probably had no choice, soone said. Aside from Agafonova, the other four are commoners from ordinary backgrounds. She likely bullied them into it.

I know. Have you noticed that she always makes Agafonova get her lunch for her?

Ilyana scoffed. Tori tapped her desk to distract her. Ignore them. We have a busy day today.

Ilyana did not look reconciled, but still finished eating and sorted through her notes. The rumor that Tori bullied a bunch of commoners into being her group mates, so soone would carry her things on the excursion, was the current popular rumor. After all, whod willingly be part of her group?

Instructor Ignatius was seated on his side on the drivers bench and leaned into the covered wagon, watching the group with interest. One by one, his students had awoken. Tori, who was closest to the front of the wagon, asked how much longer they had before they stopped.

About an hour, he said. The sun was rising and it would be mid-morning by the ti they reached the southeastern most point of the valley, where they would start.

All right. Tori stretched her arms over her head as she sat up. Everyone. Get up. There was a series of groans of protest and Henrik remained curled in a ball. Ill give you a shot of cold brew, Tori said. Henrik sat up at once and Tori took out a tal canister and poured so cool, dark liquid into a cup.

Next to her, Ilyana complained. Tori, I want so, too.

Okay, okay, give your cup. Anyone else? Several tal mugs were pushed forward and Tori poured so in. Instructor Ignatius? Mr. Henninger?

What is it?

Coffee steeped in cold water. Its smoother; not as bitter. She handed him a cup and he found he liked it. When the group finished their morning drink, they began to roll up their sleeping bags back into the tight cylinders, and put them in their bags.

Then they reviewed their maps. Instructor Ignatius was surprised to see that they had six identical ones, each detailed and marked. He craned his neck forward. Where did you get that map?

Toris uncle, JP said as he carefully folded it and put it into his satchel. He helped make it.

Professor Biancci?

You know my uncle? Tori turned around.

I had him for a class at Universit. Also.... Instructor Ignatius gave her a wry smile. Im a classmate of your brother, Kasen. Your eldest brother was also a senior.

Really? How were my brothers in school? She watched her instructor freeze and a distant look appeared on his face.

Monsters.

Huh?

I an they were monsters academically, he told her. He quickly took another drink from the cup. It was empty and he held it out to her. Can I have another?

Tori handed him the container. You and Mr. Henninger can have the rest. We shouldnt have too much. She then began to hand out paper-wrapped packages the size of her hand to each of her group mates. She had a few extra and offered them once more to her instructor and driver.

Mr. Henninger, a forty-sothing year old man, chuckled as he ate his breakfast sandwich. Im being spoiled! Lucky for getting such generous students.

You got us here safely, JP told him from the wagon. And drove through the night. We appreciate your hard work, sir. The other five agreed aloud.

Mr. Henninger looked pleased. You got good kids, Ignatius.

Instructor Ignatius smiled. He just finished his sandwich when they reached the entrance of the valley.

Okay, were here. Everyone get your things and co out. You need to listen to the Headmasters address before he lets you go. Itll be quick, he said as he crumpled up the paper.

Instructor, I left a few packages in the wagon to eat when we get back. Is this all right? Tori asked.

He laughed. Itll be there and waiting for you to return.

Ewan hopped out of the wagon and the process of disembarking was just the reverse of when they got in. Tori handed them all their hiking poles before climbing out.

The suns already bright. Sonia frowned and lifted up her hand. And its not yet midday.

Itll be more shaded once we get into the forest, but its still good to wear the hat, Tori said. The group put on their khaki-colored bucket hats and Tori led them forward.

They were the last wagon and parked at the very end of the arrival area. In order to reach the edge of the forest, where all the students and instructors were gathering, they needed to pass the other wagons and whatever students were climbing out of them.

As they walked, it beca very obvious that their matching attire and gear attracted a lot of attention. Students even stopped to stare.

I cant believe I agreed to this. Sonia pulled her hat down lower. To the side of them, a few people did a double take and then snickered amongst themselves. Why did I think it would be a good idea to wear matching clothing?

Because the shirts are breathable, but will keep you warm and act as a top layer while the pants are durable and will keep your legs from being scratched up by low-hanging branches and leaves, JP told his sister. That Armando guy knows what hes doing.

Just ignore the looks, Tori said, her eyes fixed forward. Everything we brought with us has a practical purpose. She paused. Except for the belt buckle.

Its a symbol of our group! Ewan insisted.

Tori sighed. Anyway, who cares what we look like as long as we get to the end point safely and on ti?

Thats a good attitude, Miss Guevera! A voice bood behind her and she almost raised her arms in defense. She turned around and saw Headmaster Laurent marching forward in light-colored clothes and boots, as if he was also going hiking instead of just waiting at the end point.

Good morning, Headmaster. Tori joined the low chorus of greetings as the old man walked through the crowd of students to get to the front.

Good morning, First Years! Headmaster Laurent bead at the mass of students in pockets of little groups. Welco to your First Year Excursion here at Alpine Valley. Your task this year is to cross the valley from this southeastern-most point - here, at our starting point, to the northwestern pass; the end point.

The hike will take roughtly three days to complete, bearing in mind that you will have to cross a section of the Daga River. You will camp for two nights and I recomnd that you set up camp before the sun sets. The goal is to reach the end point by sunset on the third day. Now, while this is not a race - I repeat - not a race, we will reward the first three teams to reach the end point. The reward is not worth recklessly endangering yourselves to get to the end point as soon as possible. The goal is teamwork and strengthening bonds as you take on this journey.

He lifted his hand high to show a tal compact with a yellow-green stone. This is your transmission crystal. It was given to your group leader when you checked in last night. At sunset, each mber of your group must press your finger on the crystal to check in. This ans that you must stay with your groups.

You may work with other groups, but a group of six must stay together. If soone is missing or gets lost and doesnt check in, it will notify your instructors and the Universit volunteers; your seniors, who are here with us to help oversee the excursion. They will follow you into the woods two hours after we release you. If there is an ergency, push down on the crystal and remain where you are. The staff and volunteers will find you.

He lowered his arm and looked fondly at the students. Lyce du Soleils First Year Excursion is a tradition of our school and the friendships you make in these next three days will stay with you. Do not be afraid to work together and aid other groups. That being said, I will see you all on the third day.

He lifted a tal whistle to his lips and blew.

The shrill, piercing sound filled the area and almost at once, a herd of students descended into the forest behind him.

Didn't the Headmaster just say its not a race? Ilyana said as she remained standing with her group as Tori took out her map and compass.

Yeah, Henrik said. But people are stupid.

Okay, my lions, Tori said as she looked ahead. She tucked her compass back under her shirt. Lets go.

The five grouped behind her like chicks, with Henrik a step behind Tori, walking in the path she cleared. He was in charge of double-checking the directions. The forest floor near the entrance of the valley had so vegetation, but it would beco thicker and more difficult to get through the deeper they went. Alpine Valley was relatively pristine; there were no set hiking trails.

I know I questioned you about tucking our pants into our boots, Sonia said as she looked down. But I get it now.

It keeps the bugs out, Tori said. Ewan made a face and shuddered. Up ahead, they could see students racing through the forest for so reason. I know its exciting to be outdoors, but they need to be careful. Pay attention to where you step. Rember the snakes Uncle Maurizo told us about.

Venomous, but not fatal to humans, Henrik said. Sowhat comforting.

The group chuckled as they stayed in a small line. Little by little, the other students began to lt into the woods, disappearing from sight. The lively sounds of their shouting faded into the distance and Lions Gate settled into a comfortable silence, listening to the birds and rustle of trees.

Tori took a deep breath, inhaling that sweet, warm forest scent. If they didnt have to cross the valley in three days, she wouldve taken ti to sit and just take in the towering trees, the dancing spots of light, and relish the peaceful atmosphere for the forest.

She could get used to this if this is what the ga had in store for her. A background character that wasnt bothered by whatever drama was going on around the protagonist....

Isnt that Lady Gueveras group? A voice cut through her tranquil thoughts and she turned her head towards the sound.

The slight curve of her lips hinting at a smile imdiately flattened as she saw a group of beautiful people catching up and walking in the sa direction they were heading.

Alessa smiled and raised her arm. Hi, Lady Guevera!

Toris eye twitched. Aww...shit.