When the students heard Hinata's announcement, they all froze with wide eyes. Travelling through a forest in groups of two, it honestly sounds like a test of courage that you play on a school trip. I wonder what exactly the reason for that is.
"There will be a time when you all will have to face monsters someday, the creatures who were tormenting humans long ago. At this Academy, we trained students to face these monsters and see how you all deal with them. We also test how you all work together as a group and exterminate this being. So, once a year, we held these events where we test each student as individuals and as a group."
She said fluently, while calmly observing the faces of those seated before her. No one said anything after that, whether it was because of nervousness or eagerness, it was difficult to tell. However, the male nobles all had smiles on their faces "This is my chance to impress Lady Sofia." or "I finally got an opportunity to show off my skills." could be heard it seems they are all firing themselves up after hearing the announcement, while on the other hand the females all look extremely nervous as some had stiff expressions on their faces, Scarlett seems to be doing fine, there wasn't any sign of anxious or uneasiness present on her face.
(Umm... Alya, do you know why it's called the Forest of Dreams?)
I asked internally.
-If I remember correctly, that name originated from an old story in the past.
She responds eagerly. An old story, you say.
-Yes, there was once a monster with the ability to put humans to sleep with an antenna on its head. It was a savage monster that loved to drink the nutrients from the bodies of humans; those who were its victims were all dried up and died from the lack of blood. I remember it was the most troublesome monster that existed back then. Eventually, that forest was off limit by the public and was named 'The forest of dreams.'
She said, recalling the past. That sounds like a monster you would find in a horror movie; cold sweats were running down my face thinking of meeting a monster like that, no, I don't even want to imagine that.
(If they're sending us inside that forest, I guess it means that monster was probably subjugated already, right?)
-Maybe, I don't think they would send important noble children when there is danger, so I'm guessing the issues have already been taken care of.
She said somewhat resolutely, you're right, they definitely won't endanger the lives of nobles. Doing so would probably be a political problem, not to mention that some of these nobles are heirs to their households; it would be a huge loss to the kingdom if something happened to them. But just to be safe, can you keep a watch out and inform me if you sense anything strange?
-Leave it to me.
With Alya, I'm sure things will be fine. My biggest problem now is going to be finding a partner. Even when I attended high school, I was bad at finding partners for group projects. Here, it's going to be even worse dealing with spoiled nobles. The nobles are all in high spirits to impress the female noble daughter. I don't have any special titles; the only reason I'm being treated favourably is that they see me as Scarlett's saviour.
"I'm looking forward to hearing the result of your effort."
She said with a bow. The entire auditorium burst into cheers the students were praising her unanimously. It's like watching a celebrity being praised by their fans. I never thought I'd see something like this ever again, like when I once watched a concert on TV.
-Are you missing your old world that much?
(Of course, there is no real entertainment here; all I do is study and train these days!)
I yelled. It's so boring in the castle that each day seems like it takes 10 times longer to pass by. I sighed tiredly.
Hinata wrapped up the discussion, and each class formed a line before quietly leaving the auditorium. We are now tasked to find a partner before the end of lunchtime, as we are going to start the expedition before the end of class. The nobles were already doing their best to find their own respective partner. Scarlett and Chelsey had already decided to form a team, so I went towards the classroom to see if there were any available to team up with, but most of them were already partnered up. Even Sofia has already found herself a partner.
"".... Sigh."
I let out a long sigh as I drop my head to the desk tiredly. I was never good at socialising with others. It really isn't my strong point, or actually, I really had no desire or intention of getting along with anyone. Back then, I only cared about not standing out and living life my own way instead of walking in my parents' shoes.
"Oh, have you not found a partner yet?"
Sofia asked, tilting her head to the side, and strands of her light purple hair went down her shoulder with her movements. I gently shook my head with a troubled look.
"I think there is still one more person here who's still open, you know."
She said while gazing towards the back row seats. I also turned my head following her gaze and saw a boy who was sitting alone with bright blond hair. There was an extremely timid atmosphere around him, or rather, it was gloomier. It was the son of the duke, Tracy Beckett, the next head of the duke's household. My impression of him was completely off the mark. I still can't believe he's from a high-ranking noble family. Isn't it normal that sons of dukes are haughtier and more aggressive? He's the complete opposite.
"The last time I checked, he still doesn't have a partner; wouldn't he be the best partner for you?"
She said, giving a small wink, it was an extremely cute gesture, but I won't say that out loud. Well, despite his shyness, he's still really strong from what I saw of his demonstration, so I guess it's fine. Now, how should I approach him? I thought with a hum, when-
"Come on, let's go already."
"H-Hey, I can go myself, you know."
Sofia suddenly grabbed both my hands and pulled me towards Tracy, who was sitting a fair distance away. He seems to have noticed us approaching him as he ducks his head, hiding his face behind a book. Many nobles sent us a curious gaze as from their point of view I was getting drag by Sofia who was of a high status, she was also pressed up so close to me that we were completely glued together, the females couldn't hide their inquisitiveness that was showing on their faces the males were sending me a gaze that clearly said "Go die already" or "Just jump off a Cliff" while grinding their teeth Sofia paid them no heed as we made our way toward Tracy.
"Good morning, Sir Tracy."
Sofia said before holding her uniform skirt and bowing her head.
"G-Good morning to you too, L-Lady Sofia."
He returned her greeting nervously while turning his gaze to the side. Seeing him up close like this, I couldn't help but think his shyness is really bad. Hearing his greeting, Sofia smiled gently.
"May I ask if you still have not found a partner as of yet, Sir Tracy?"
"Ah, n-no I don't have a partner."
He said, holding down his face to not meet her gaze. Did she really need to do this? I could have asked him myself, you know.
-Weren't you the one having trouble with how to approach him before?
(I had it covered, so it was fine)
I said internally, retorting to Alya's early question.
"Oh... what a coincidence, Sir Haruto here also doesn't have a partner as of yet either. I think it was destined for you two to team up."
She said, smiling while chuckling to herself, 'Destined' I think saying that sounds strange somehow, but he definitely would be a better partner than some noble who likes to look down on those below them, so I guess this is a better option.
"R-really if Sir Haruto doesn't mind being my partner, then..."
He said weakly when trailing off. It was difficult to hear the last parts of his sentence, but I could guess what he was trying to say. With that, I slowly stretch out my hand. He also timidly reached for my hand, and we then shook hands and became partners. Now that that's settled, I guess I will have to wait for the start of the expedition later.
"Shouldn't you two get to know one another since you're going to be working together?"
She said, pushing my back, I sighed once before sitting on an empty seat next to Tracy. I am a bit curious about him, so I'll take this opportunity to gather some information about him. Once Sofia had left, he spoke with an apologetic face.
"I'm really sorry, I know I'm incompetent as a partner; if you want to change partners, I don't mind."
He said, holding down his head while apologising. He really has no confidence, or maybe his self-esteem is just really low? I can't tell, but his meek attitude is not good. I wonder if maybe he was sheltered as a kid while growing up? I saw how skilled he is in magic. Maybe I just need to boost his confidence a little, but not getting involved in that seems a bit troublesome. I'll just have to put up with this for the expedition. I don't want to get involved more than necessary.
"No, it's fine... There is no need to worry, I'm also incompetent in these kinds of things, and most of the class already has a partner."
I said while glancing around the class, most of the students who were teaming up were discussing their own strategy for the expedition, among them, Scarlett was also deciding her strategy with Chelsey. Tracy glanced around the room as well and nodded his head with an apologetic face.
"Now then, why don't we also discuss our own strategy?"
I asked, showing a small smile. He nodded his head nervously in response. Roughly 1 hour later, we were called on the school grounds before a gate leading into the forest, the trees were thick, and the forest was dense with tree branches growing in different angles, making it difficult to see straight ahead. Each student was grouped into pairs of two.
The instructor had just explained the rules. They gave us magic artefacts that were in watch form on the screen. There was the number zero. The more monsters you kill, the higher the number rises. The team with the largest number at the end of the day wins. If a team were to find themselves lost or in danger, the artefact also has a tracker in those emergencies.
With that, many of the nobles breathe a sigh of relief. Students are also allowed to use weapons such as swords, spears or bow and arrow if they wish, as many noble males have their own weapons. I also took a sword, just in case I needed it.
"Good luck, Haruto. I don't plan on losing, so get ready."
Scarlett said, while pumping herself up on her right was Chelsey, who also seemed to be a bit nervous but excited at the same time. I showed a small smile. I also don't plan on losing. Well, Alya can sense monsters, so in my case, it seems like cheating.
-Fufufu.... there is no reason to hold back what mere monsters could do in the face of our power.
She said confidently, why do I feel like you've been getting a bit arrogant lately are maybe you're always like this.
"Umm... Ha-Haruto, I promise I'll do my best not to slow us down."
He said while glancing down.
"Right, don't worry, besides, it's just goblins, there is no need to worry."
I said somewhat dubiously, but I decided to show a bright smile anyway. If he gets nervous, I have to be the one that maintain confidence; it would be bad if we were both nervous and end up in last place. I'm a little confident my skills won't be lost to goblins, so it's fine.
"Now that you all know and understand the rules, each of you... Begin!"
The instructor declared loudly. With that, all teams took off and headed into the forest.