Ascension of the Sylvan Cosmos

Chapter 51. Exploring the Golden Sap Forest.

Cinderielle learned that the attack was a planned ambush to rob the caravan by hearing the conversations from afar. They weren't really trying to hide it either way, so Cinderielle gladly listened.

It seemed that they weren't random bandits as well. Instead, they were a group named [Void Witherwood] who had increased their activities in this area lately.

[Void Witherwood] was a group of outcasts who committed several atrocities to become stronger. They were one of the factions that taught that the System's ability to grant experience for killing was a call and a message, so most of their training was related to killing.

There were rumors that they could also teach Energy Gathering Methods related to killing.

Interestingly, Cinderielle learned that lately, they've suddenly increased their activities in this area because something seemed to have gone wrong. This information came from the handsome man who had tried to approach her before leaving.

'How does he have that information? Perhaps... Is he the reason we were actually attacked? Was the attack aimed at him? The moment his bodyguard showed formidable strength, they left at once as if they had confirmed something.'

She chose not to participate in the conversation and listened along the way.

Time went by quickly, and the place where she was going to separate from the caravan was getting close. 'Finally, the Golden Sap Forest! I wonder what will I find inside?'

There have been a few more assaults from beasts during the journey, but nothing difficult or intense. The most danger Cinderielle went through was the bandit fight that almost halved her Aether Mana reserves.

'Hm... I hope that this doesn't affect my exploration too much.'

Ariel, the woman who had been quite actively talking with her, approached with a smile and a wave of her hand. "Cinder, will you leave soon?"

Cinderielle nodded at her. After fighting together, they had come a bit closer, so Cinderielle was willing to explain. "Yes. I need to complete the mission soon since it is quite important. Honestly, I'm a bit worried now that I have a bit more than half my Aether Mana reserves. But I think I can do it. I've researched, and the highest-tiered creature in this Forest besides Trees has an F+ Rank Tier. Level 10s and above are also scarce and have clear territories. As long as I avoid those, I'll be fine."

Ariel agreed with her analysis but added something. "What you say is right. However, what do you think about me and the others accompanying you?"

Cinderielle blinked, confused. "Why would you do that? For your information, I won't share the bounty."

Ariel chuckled. "Don't worry, we aren't aiming for it. To be honest with you, it's a bit low even if we got it somehow." Ariel answered honestly. "We also have some things to search for in the Golden Sap Forest. At first, we were planning on going to the other city and gathering a person good with plants, a Sylvan if possible. Still, since you've appeared, it's an opportunity I'm unwilling to pass on."

Cinderielle finally realized why Ariel had approached her and had been so good-natured. She lifted her elegant eyebrow and asked. "Ho~, so you approached me because of that?"

Ariel shrugged. "Don't get me wrong. I do like you, and now I'm sincerely offering cooperation."

Cinderielle crossed her arms, looking down at the petite woman. "Yes, but your initial intentions weren't that sincere."

Ariel snorted and acted cutely, something the Sylvan thought suited her quite well. With her glasses and bob-cut hair, she looked pretty cute for an average-looking woman. "Don't be like that~. Haven't we fought a life-and-death battle together~. We are friends now!"