Ayanokouji: Free Life

Chapter 36: Hot Springs (Lemon)

Ayanokouji POV

The time, at this moment, was 10 which meant we had 3 hours until 12:30pm. However, given the sheer size of the forest as well as the mountain itself, I doubt many people would reach there at the appropriate time and miss lunch.

I planned to get there in 2 hours. So I made my way through the forest. As for my transformation, I will save it for a time where I have clothes that can expand in size. For now, I will simply use my blade. I walked around as I heard screams coming from my left as I peered through the continuous and vast forest. They seemed to come from Mineta. I didn't really mind in him suffering as I didn't consider to be a person of interest. So I ignored it and continued to walk down the forest. 

An important step I need to take is to assess and determine the direction I need to go by. Although I had a fair estimate as to where I should be heading, I can never be too sure. 

So I climbed a tree that was fairly sized as I reached the top looking at the multitude of green trees and plant life around me as I saw Ice glaciers forming some hundred meters away, coming from Shoto most likely. He can handle himself so I'm not worried in the least. Midoriya might also be helping him as they plan to continue on in a group. Smart choice of action. 

Well, there was no use pondering on that for now. I got up and jumped down to the ground as I peered around and saw I was surrounded by those mud monsters that seemed to be targeted towards me for some reason. Maybe it had something to do with Pixie-Bob? Who cares. If it is only these type of enemy, they aren't difficult to handle. 

Me: I don't plan to dirty my new clothes so prepare yourselves. 

2 hours later ...

Third Person POV

A figure came out of the forest as he seemed to arrive without a single scratch on his body, as he sat down on a tree trunk at the base of the mountain. As he arrived a short brown-haired pussycat along with a little kid were waiting there as the man arrived at the meetup spot, 30 minutes earlier than the goal time. She was reading a book when she looked up and saw him arrive and she was confused and bewildered. 

Ayanokouji POV

It wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be. At first glance, it appeared to be nigh impossible to traverse through the forest down to the base of the mountain. However, there was a simple way to get down: tracking successive human markings along the trees. It seems these woods were used by either the Pussycats or by some other people. However, it was used frequently which meant these tracks were reliable. I simply followed the pattern and arrived here. 

???: How in the hell...?

I look over and saw that Mandalay looked up from her book as she saw me standing there. 

Mandalay: Where's Pixie-Bob, kid?

Me: I saw her supervising other kids along the way. She should be back here in a few more hours if I'm not mistaken. 

Mandalay: But more importantly, how did you get here so quickly?! This was not suppose to be completed during the 3 hour timeframe!

Me: So I was correct in assuming that you expected us to miss lunch, correct?

Mandalay: Well, obviously! A typical hike down takes at least 5 hours. How did you scratch off 3 hours of time?

The kid now looked up at me, however he still seemed incredibly disinterested. 

Me: I followed the tracks along the tree lines. Once I figured out the pattern, it wasn't easy to get back. 

Mandalay: You really are exactly what Eraserhead says, huh.