Chapter 34: Walking Encyclopedia

Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Walking Encyclopedia

"A complete lack of discipline!"

"If this ever happens again, we can’t overreact like that!"

"We were lucky no one saw that! Otherwise, this would have become the talk of the town—a complete joke!"

「Half an hour later.」

The atmosphere beneath the Tree of Origin was tense. The three-person team was holding its first "review meeting" since forming.

Lu Wei seethed at the sight of the big mushroom on the ground.

’Getting scared by a mushroom!’

’This is an absolute disgrace!’

"Is that clear?"

Glaring at the culprit, Bai Ya, Lu Wei’s face was stern as he asserted his authority as team leader for the first time.

"C-crystal clear..."

Bai Ya cowered in a corner by a rock, her knees pressed together and her head hung low, looking like a criminal under interrogation.

"I’m sorry, it won’t happen again..."

"Ahem, I don’t think this is entirely Bai Ya’s fault."

Furen, standing to the side, probably felt she was being treated unfairly and wanted to speak up for her.

"After all, the two of us got a little too worked up as well. Looking back, Bai Ya never said it was an enemy. We should have asked for clarification first."

"Worked up? Ask for clarification first?"

Lu Wei sneered. "And what if it really had been an enemy? Would we have had time to ask for clarification then?"

"Er, well..."

Furen was at a loss for words, completely speechless.

After all, Lu Wei had a point.

Enemy or not, they had to react immediately. Otherwise, they could have paid a terrible price.

"Alright, that’s enough. We should get moving."

Seeing that the two of them seemed to have learned their lesson, Lu Wei’s expression finally softened. He took out his map, glanced at it, and pointed to a marked location.

"We need to get here before nightfall!"

"The Dome Pillar!"

...

...

"You know, this mushroom actually tastes pretty good."

"Mhm, it’s a giant parasol mushroom. They’re one of the few types you can eat raw."

"Thanks... Do you recognize all mushrooms?"

"I can recognize any of them that are in the atlases."

"That’s amazing."

"Yeah, I have a good memory. I usually don’t forget things I’ve seen."

"It sounds like you’d be perfect for a Mage, then. All those complicated runes and Spells should be easy for you, right?"

"No, I can’t. My Perception is really low, probably no more than 5..."

Soon, after a short rest under the Tree of Origin, the trio continued their journey deeper into the forest.

Since they didn’t plan on stopping for lunch, Bai Ya had sliced up the mushroom that nearly made them a laughingstock, sprinkled it with a little sugar, and turned it into a snack they could eat on the go.

It had to be said, even though she’d just caused a ruckus, having a personal chef along on an adventure was pretty great.

On top of that, Furen discovered she also had a photographic memory.

Bai Ya could name nearly every plant—trees, flowers, fungi, mosses, and wild fruits—and could even provide detailed information about each one.

Growth habits, toxicity, taste, special properties—she knew it all.

It was no exaggeration to say she was a walking encyclopedia.

Well... her knowledge of animals, especially insects, was much weaker, however.

According to Bai Ya herself, it was because she didn’t like eating bugs, so she hadn’t spent much time reading entomology guides.

All in all, this discovery was a pleasant surprise for Lu Wei.

’But Bai Ya’s assessment of her own Perception is seriously flawed.’

’Five points?’

’Lady, aren’t you overestimating yourself?’

Lu Wei glanced at Bai Ya, then looked away, popping a mushroom slice into his mouth. He then pulled out his Compass to correct their course.

The Dome Pillar was to the northeast of the Tree of Origin, about 15 miles—or 25 kilometers—away as the crow flies.

Normally, the walk would take four or five hours. That was without factoring in the trek through a forest with intermittent paths, so arriving before nightfall would be a good pace.

Fortunately, both Furen and Bai Ya seemed to be in good shape.

This was especially true for Furen. Despite carrying the heaviest pack and clearing the path up front, he hadn’t broken a sweat.

’His Physique must be at least a 10.’

"Captain, would you like another piece...?"

Suddenly, Bai Ya’s timid voice sounded beside him.

Lu Wei turned his head and saw her looking at him cautiously, holding up the now half-eaten mushroom.

"No, thanks." Shaking his head, Lu Wei casually brushed a branch out of his path.

"Okay, I’ll save the rest for our dinner ingredients, then."

Bai Ya agreed. Though it was a statement, she kept her eyes on Lu Wei as she spoke, as if seeking his approval.

"You don’t have to be so formal, you know."

Seeing her behavior, Lu Wei felt a bit helpless. He offered a wry, comforting smile. "I know I was a bit harsh earlier, but it was for our own safety."

"After all, any mistake in the forest can have serious consequences."

"And as the leader... even if you forced the role on me, I’m still responsible for your safety."

"That’s why I had to make sure you learned your lesson from this experience."

"As for everything else, you can make your own decisions. You don’t need my approval for every little thing."

"Just follow my orders in a fight."

Looking at Bai Ya, Lu Wei spoke more than he usually did, all for the sake of maintaining a "harmonious" team atmosphere. When it came to giving pep talks, you could say it was in his blood.

Bai Ya listened intently. As soon as he finished, she gave a solemn nod.

"I understand. I’ll be sure to follow your orders."

"Good... So, have you seen any valuable plants along the way?"

Lu Wei gave a slight nod, then abruptly changed the subject. The sudden shift left Bai Ya stunned for a moment.

’Wait a minute.’

’Weren’t we just talking about discipline?’

’How did we suddenly switch to talking about plants?’

’Am I just too slow to keep up with the captain’s train of thought?’

"Well..."

After a few seconds, Bai Ya finally snapped out of it and tried her best to recall.

"I don’t think so. The most valuable thing was probably the rust moss."

"When we were passing through the river valley earlier, I saw some on the rocks. Its secretions are highly corrosive to metal. Once refined, it can be made into a Corrosive Potion, which can be used for things like Lock Picking."

’Hmm? That sounds interesting.’

Lu Wei asked curiously, "How much is it worth?"

"About two silver coins a pound, I think."

Bai Ya shook her head. "I’m not sure of the exact price, but that’s what it said in the book."

’Two silver coins?!’

’Holy crap!’

His eyes went wide, a pang of regret striking him. He immediately issued a command:

"Next time you see something of similar Value—no, even if it’s a bit cheaper—report it to me immediately!"

"Ah, okay!"

Bai Ya nodded hurriedly, promising to complete her mission.

Just then, Furen, who was clearing the path a few meters ahead, suddenly stopped. He turned his head back and shouted excitedly:

"Bai Ya, I found another big mushroom!"

"A red one with white spots on the cap!"

"It looks delicious!"