The dead forest. It wasn't a place for young ones to visit. It was only accessible during the graduation exam, but there was an exception to that rule.
The forest could be used as a punishnt to discipline rowdy swords.
Aaran used that exception to his advantage to enter the forest and intentionally went beyond defeating his enemies through duels.
Though I must say, beating those bastards was quite fun.
"We're here, young master," Donovan spoke as the carriage stopped.
Icy winds greeted them as they stepped out of the carriage. Before them was a lush green forest that was anything but dead. One could say it was a product of wordplay, a satire, but that'd be a lie.
The dead forest was called as such for a different reason.
The correct na would be the Forest of Death.
Runedral was a massive empire, and Marki wasn't its only neighbor. Because of the emperor's expansive mindset, the empire was always under attack.
The emperor's army wasn't as big as his ambitions. As such, they couldn't protect all of their borders. That's why an artificial forest was created to the east.
A forest filled with deadly monsters.
It was said anyone who stepped into the forest was as good as dead, hence the na.
Then why were they there?
Technically, they weren't in the forest, but in a small section attached to it. The section was separated from the actual forest and was used as a testing ground for the graduates.
So of the best knights always patrolled the borders to kill any monster who shouldn't be there. This section of the forest was relatively safe and, hence could be used as punishing grounds.
"I can only accompany you till here, young master," Donovan said, pulling out a flare from his pocket. "This is the only thing Sir Igor allowed you to carry."
Aaran nodded, putting the flare in his pocket.
"It is to be used in case of an ergency. Though I sincerely wish that ti doesn't co."
"Neither do I. Thank you for accompanying ."
"It's my duty, young master. I hope you have a safe night."
Aaran waited till Donovan disappeared before shaking his head. He couldn't believe Igor was going so hard on him.
Even the seniors were given sleeping bags and tents during the test. Yet all he got was a flare.
"Well, it is supposed to be a punishnt. Not to ntion the ruckus mother caused… yeah, even getting the flare is a kindness from him."
***
A few hours ago, when Aaran's punishnt was announced, Amara marched into Igor's office demanding the reason for such a harsh punishnt.
Igor did not like people yelling at him, especially in his office, so he raised an eyebrow, conveying his annoyance. But Amara didn't care.
She wasn't one to cause problems, but Aaran's life was in danger. She couldn't risk the temple making a move on him when he was isolated and had to do sothing about it.
"Aaran is being punished because he acted in a way unbecoming of the top student. His actions cannot be excused, no matter who he is."
After saying his part, Igor went back to the docunts. But not everyone was calm like him. Unable to contain her anger, Amara slamd her hands on the desk.
"All he did was to defend his family's honor! And for that, you're sending a nine-year-old into that forest?"
Igor sighed. It would be easier to deal with soone rational, like Lucien, than the hot-blooded Amara. Still, he remained calm and explained again.
"Defending honor is one thing, ntally crippling soone is another."
Amara wanted to say sothing, but Igor raised his hand, stopping her. He would not waste any more ti on her.
"He didn't fight the nobles, he destroyed them. Sure, they acted out of line, but Aaran took things too far, Your Highness."
Igor continued, "You should have seen their faces. Fear was all they knew. It wasn't an accident either. Aaran knew exactly what he was doing. And that is why he's being punished."
She was aware of the extent Aaran had punished his opponent, but hearing it from Igor made her feel even worse about it. She had already sent the affected households gold, riches, and even slaves. But it wasn't enough.
"Fine. Then I'll go with him."
"No, you won't," Igor dismissed her thoughts. "This is a punishnt. Not a picnic."
"But—!"
"This eting is over, Your Highness."
In the end, Amara had no choice but to bite her tongue and let it go.
***
Aaran only learned about that eting through Donovan. He was thankful for Amara's affection, but there was sothing he had to do alone in the forest. The actual forest.
Usually, I'd wait till graduation to do this, but these temple bastards left no choice.
[I must admit, your hypnotic gaze is overpowered, boy.]
"Let's not talk about it."
At his current level, defeating those seniors in a 3-on-1 duel was impossible. That's why Aaran hypnotized them into submission and didn't feel an ounce of guilt for it. After all, those three were the first ones to turn against humanity during hell's invasion.
He was pleased to get rid of them so early. And because of them, he got to enter the forest much sooner. It was a win-win situation.
"Darius, go ahead and check the patrolling patterns," Aaran instructed. "Find a gap I can use to sneak out."
"On it, little liege," Darius replied as he flew away.
Aaran had to level up the legion as fast as he could. More importantly, he wanted a dependable weapon, sothing unlike the revolver he had been using.
The dead forest was the site he'd been eyeing for a while and he wasn't about to let go of such an opportunity.
"Tonight, let's achieve the first awakening, shall we?"
[Don't forget about my body.]
"…sure, let's fit you inside a rat."
[I dare you. Do it and see what happens.]
"Tsk, learn to take a joke for once, almighty Dread."
Reviews
All reviews (0)