SWNOVELXO Volume 1 Chapter 10 - Forest of Eden
I walked through the gate and arrived in front of the forest of Eden. I decided to enter the forest and start exploring immediately.
This forest is usually easy to get lost in, but there are stakes driven in various places which are also indicated on the map.
Therefore, if I use the stakes as landmarks, I shouldn’t get lost and stranded.
I found the first stake and checked my position against the map.
“This seems safe…or rather, without the map, it would be dangerous.”
It’s pretty much a necessity.
During the first exploration, Kaede-chan didn’t tell me because I didn’t have a bag. But if I was more of an idiot than she imagined, what would she have done?
I didn’t have any water either, so I could have easily died.
Damn!
Ignoring my own mistake, I continued searching for monsters.
My goal for today is to level up and earn a little money.
I will level up, become stronger, and acquire new recipes.
As I excitedly moved along the path in the forest, a goblin appeared from the forest in front of me.
The goblin seemed to try to cross the path and froze for a moment in the middle of it, making eye contact with me.
“Gyee!!”
The goblin noticed me and naturally attacked.
I reached for the sword at my waist and took my stance.
And then, when the goblin entered my range, I drew my sword and slashed it.
The goblin was cut in two, leaving its knife behind, and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
“Yeah, this sword is amazing.”
It’s light and has a good edge.
Moreover, according to the store clerk, it’s durable.
“I thought it was expensive, but for 500,000 yen, it’s a bargain.”
I wonder what kind of sword costs more than this?
Does it emit fire or something?
While recalling a comic I had read in the past, I picked up the knife and stored it in my bag.
Then, I began walking down the path again, searching for monsters.
◆◇◆
Two hours have passed since I started walking in the forest.
So far, I have hunted many slimes and goblins and collected the items they dropped.
“Wolves are not appearing.”
I heard that wolves rarely appear, but I didn’t expect none to show up even after searching for two hours.
My throat was dry, so I took out a bottle of water from my bag.
“Hmm, my bag is indeed getting full.”
I grabbed one of the medicinal herbs in my bag.
“So this is worth 500 yen. I think it’s profitable if calculated by the hour, but it can’t compete with the impact of a healing potion.”
While looking at the herb and drinking water, an idea struck me.
“I wonder what happens in the case of a plastic bottle?”
Out of curiosity, I first turned the water in the plastic bottle into pure water, then put a medicinal herb in it.
Then, I watched intently as I made a healing potion.
To my surprise, the plastic bottle in my hand turned into a flask.
However, it’s lighter than the usual ones.
“The container has changed from glass to plastic… I don’t know the name, but it’s become that…”
When I squeezed it tightly, it crumpled.
No matter how you look at it, it’s a plastic flask(?).
“It’s lighter and better because it won’t break.”
From now on, I decided to use this and drank the potion.
Then, I felt as if my body was getting lighter.
It seems that my fatigue has been alleviated.
“If it’s tasteless and odorless water like this… it’s better.”
Although the water cost 600 yen including the water fee, it’s definitely better if it can relieve fatigue.
Having relieved my fatigue, I continued walking in the forest, hunting slimes and goblins.
“By the way, what’s my level?”
I took out my status card from my bag and looked at it.
Name: Okita Hajime
Level 3
Job: Swordsman
Skills
Swordsmanship lv5
☆Alchemy
“My level has increased…”
I’m now at level 3…
I wish there was a jingle or something to notify me…
That’s so inconvenient.
“Oh, but there should be more recipes!”
I tapped on the alchemy section of my status card.
☆Alchemy
By consuming materials, you can create new items.
Recipes increase as the skill holder levels up.
Level 3
Healing Potion lv1, Gender Change Potion
Sleeping Drug, Pure Water
Translation Potion, Item Bag
“Ah, a crab… no, an item bag…”
Can I make it…
And a translation potion.
Well, judging by the name, it’s probably something that allows you to understand different languages.
The problem is the required materials.
“Let’s see, for the translation potion, it’s pure water and sugar…”
Isn’t that just sugar water?
The next item, the item bag, needs… a container and a rubber band?
Any object that can hold things seems fine as a container.
This bag would work, or even a cardboard box.
“Hmm, I don’t have a rubber band right now, so I’ll buy it later…”
But I’m going to have dinner with Kaede-chan today, and I’ll go to the convenience store on the way back.
They’ll probably sell it there.
“Should I sell the items I made…?”
Crabs?
“Hmm, let’s put that on hold.”
I can still make money with potions, so let’s be happy with the convenience for now.
I can organize the potions in my room, and reduce the luggage I carry.
“Alright! It’s about time to go back.”
I decided to retrace my steps, and I turned around on the spot.
Then, the moment I took a few steps, I felt something on my left.
Without showing any signs of panic, I drew my sword from my waist and swung it to the left.
“――Gyan!”
I briefly glanced to the left and saw a wolf cut in half and lying down.
The wolf quickly vanished into a puff of smoke, leaving behind a small white object the size of a pinky finger.
“A wolf, huh? Indeed, their ambushes are dangerous.”
It’s a good thing I learned swordsmanship!
“Such a thing, it’s impossible for a normal human, right?”
“Hmm, isn’t the wolf pretty weak?”
I don’t really understand.
It doesn’t look weak at all.
“Well, whatever.”
I decided not to worry about it, and picked up a sharp white object the size of a little finger that was a drop item.
“A fang… maybe?”
It’s a wolf, so it’s probably a fang.
Is it valuable?
For now, I put it in my bag and looked at the status card again.
But, my level was still 3.
“As I thought…”
Actually, it’s online information, but in the Forest of Eden, it seems that the level goes up easily until 3.
However, after that, it becomes difficult to increase, and when it reaches level 5, it does not increase at all.
I guess it’s some sort of experience point system.
“I think I’m done with the Forest of Eden…”
Being alone in the forest is a bit scary…
I looked at the clock on my smartphone, confirmed that it was already 4 o’clock, and decided to return to the guild.
As I turned back, I passed a few people in the shallow part of the forest.
There were a lot of relatively young people, regardless of gender, but there were some strong-looking adults with groups of about high school age.
I think they might be leaders.
I was a little relieved to see other explorers besides myself for the first time.
Then, when I left the forest, I went straight through the gate and returned.
When I went through the gate and returned to the lobby, the reception, which had been quiet during the day, was quite busy.
Looking at the people I passed in the Forest of Eden earlier and this lobby, it seems that it gets crowded in the evening.
I was going to line up at Kaede-chan’s place, but when I looked at Kaede-chan’s reception, no one was lining up there.
The reason was clear.
Kaede-chan was sitting at the reception, but there was a sign that said “Reception Closed.”
I wondered if I had to line up somewhere else, but Kaede-chan, who had met my eyes, was beckoning and calling me over.
I went straight to Kaede-chan’s place.
“Welcome back.”
When I went to Kaede-chan, she moved the plate to the side.
“Is it okay?”
I asked while pointing at the plate.
“It’s already past 5 o’clock. But, since you are exclusive, I will do some overtime work.”
When I looked at the clock on the wall as she told me this, it was 5:05.
“Ah, sorry, sorry.”
“No, it’s okay. After all, you went on an adventure to the frontier. It can’t be helped if you are a little late. I’m more afraid of you rushing and getting into an accident.”
She might be right.
Having leeway is important.
“I see. Oh, this is what I brought back.”
I put my bag on the reception desk.
“Thank you for your hard work. Let’s see…”
Kaede-chan opened the bag and first took out an empty pet bottle.
And she stared at it.
“……….Alright.”
I confiscated the pet bottle from Kaede-chan who was staring at it, crushed it, and put it in my pocket.
“Look, look, this dropped from the wolf.”
I took out something that looked like a fang from the bag.
“Ha… amazing! This is a wolf’s fang. It’s 2000 yen.”
Kaede-chan sighed and shook her head, but she immediately gave me a smile.
“2000 yen? Isn’t that cheap?”
“That’s about it.”
“The risk doesn’t match the reward.”
“Oh, you got ambushed… It’s true that ambushes are scary, but you won’t die. The wolf’s name is wolf, but it’s not that strong. It’s about the size of a puppy.”
Was it really such a weak creature…
“I see. That’s why…”
“That’s right. But there are a lot of them, right? It’s not like the amount a beginner would have.”
“It’s all because I hit them in one shot. I’m thinking I’ve had enough of the Forest of Eden.”
“I think so too. You are not originally a beginner, so you should move on to the next step.”
I have to make a million yen a year.
“I’ll do that. I’ll think about where to go next.”
“Please do. I can give you advice, but most of the information is written on the internet.”
It’s like playing a game while looking at a strategy site.
“Understood. Oh, sell all of this. And the card and weapons.”
I drew the sword from my waist, put it on the reception desk, and submitted the card.
“Okay, I see. Then, please wait a moment.”
Kaede-chan took the bag to the back.
After a while, she came back with the empty bag.
“It’s 35,400 yen. Amazing.”
Kaede-chan happily handed me the statement.
“Amazing. How many days’ worth was this at my previous company?”
It was much easier than going through that hell for so many days.
“You should forget about it, senpai. You’re an adventurer now…”
Kaede-chan put her hand on my shoulder and shook her head.
“Oh… I just wanted to hug Kaede-chan. And I feel like crying.”
“…Senpai, you said you were barely sane, but you’re definitely already insane.”
Really?
“Let’s drink…”
In times like these, it’s alcohol.
I’ve been drinking a lot lately, though.
“Yes, let’s do that. I’ll go change too, so let’s meet outside.”
“I’ll take a shower before changing.”
“That’s a good idea. Oh, this is your luggage that I was keeping.”
Kaede-chan took my bag from under the reception desk and handed it to me.
“Thanks. See you outside, then.”
“Okay. Take your time.”
“Okay.”
I waved at Kaede-chan and headed for the changing room.
◆◇◆
I waved at the senior heading to the changing room.
And when the senior entered the changing room, I let out a sigh without thinking.
That person must have really had a hard time in his previous job…
But really, what an idiot.
My inside theory that Eleanor-san = senior has shifted from 99 percent to 100 percent.
What’s with that flask-shaped water bottle?
Hide it!
Why is he carrying the same white bag as Eleanor-san?
Bring a different one!
What does it mean that he’s only been to the Frontier twice?
The senior has only been once, right?
Does he even have the intention to hide it!?
Sigh… Probably, the senior does some stupid things, but more than that, I think he trusts me.
That’s why he has no vigilance and talks honestly.
I realized that from the senior earlier.
That person is genuinely distressed.
Hmm, I should be kind to him.
But what should I do?
This situation can’t continue as it is.
Without a doubt, tomorrow, the senior will come here as Eleanor-san.
Because he knows I’m off.
And probably, he will sell the potion.
After all, the empty water bottle…no, pet flask, must have contained the potion.
There’s no reason for the senior, who said he defeated everything in one hit, to need expensive potions.
In other words, he drank it even though he’s not injured.
The senior must definitely have enough potions that he can overlook.
And above all…
I compare the status card I received from the senior and the status card of Eleanor-san that I secretly brought with me.
Name: Okita Hajime
Level: 3
Job: Swordsman
Skills
≪Swordsmanship lv5≫
Name: Eleanor Ocean
Level: 3
Job: Swordsman
Skills
≪Swordsmanship lv5≫
…Their levels are synchronized.
When the senior went to the Frontier, I had free time, so I secretly took Eleanor-san’s status card and looked at it.
I was surprised when the level suddenly increased.
I can deduce that when the senior’s level increased, Eleanor-san’s level also increased.
After all, Eleanor-san didn’t come today.
The evidence is all in place now.
There are still mysterious parts, like why there are two status cards and where the potion came from, but with this much, the senior should confess.
Should I confront him at the drinking party later?
No… I don’t want to do that today.
It’s been a long time since I had a drink with the senior, and I feel sorry for him.
Plus, I’m treating…
So… I guess I can’t take a day off tomorrow…
What a troublesome senior, really.
…But, cross-dressing?
And at that level.
I wonder if I can accept it…