Into the Netherworld || Naberius Kalego x Reader Fanfiction

Chapter 10: Harvest Festival

### Chapter 10: Harvest Festival

As the Harvest Festival drew near, the weeks seemed to fly by in a whirlwind of activity and preparation. There was this air of excitement and anticipation as the day got closer. With Balam being one of the teachers that will be overseeing the event, Hanako found herself roped into assisting with the preparations.

The exam, spanning a daunting 6,666 minutes over four days, required students to survive and harvest food in a forest filled with wild beasts and dangerous plants. The festival grounds is located at the backyard of Babyls on one of its floating islands. At times like these reminded Hanako of how big the school premises actually are.

The Harvest Festival is set in the heart of a dense forest. The crowns of the trees formed a thick canopy overhead, allowing only slivers of light to go through. The gloom added a foreboding aura. Despite the dim lighting, the forest floor are filled with plants and creatures, many of which Hanako could not name.

Balam had attempted to explain the many species the students might encounter, detailing the unique properties and dangers of each, but the information had been overwhelming. She did, however, remember one crucial detail— most were extremely dangerous and would not hesitate to attack if provoked.

Hanako had experience trying to survive in forests before, but this was different. Back in the human world, at least she didn't have to worry about plants actively trying to eat her. Poisonous plants could be avoided, and wild animals were predictable to some extent. Both she and Iruma had learned well how to camouflage themselves and adapt to surviving in the wild. Here, however, the dangers were of a different magnitude altogether.

As Hanako made way to the main tent, she couldn't help but feel a sense of uneasiness.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Iruma, who had come to see her before the festival started. His presence was a comforting reminder of their bond.

"Do your best," Hanako said, hugging Iruma tightly. "I'll be rooting for you."

Iruma's voice was muffled against her shoulder. "Thanks, Nee-san."

"I'll miss you," Hanako admitted, knowing she wouldn't see him for the next four days. "Try not to get hurt, okay? If you do, the teachers will come and save you."

"Yes, Nee-san," Iruma reassured her. "I'll miss you as well."

"You don't have to worry so much. He'll be fine," Balam said, his voice gentle yet firm.

"I'll always worry about him!" Hanako declared, hugging Iruma tighter and burying her face in his hair.

A loudspeaker crackled to life, and a voice announced, "Calling all students! The Harvest Festival will be starting soon. Please head to the waiting area now."

"I have to go," Iruma said as Hanako reluctantly let him go.

"Okay," Hanako said, her voice tinged with worry. "I'll see you after the festival."

With a final nod, "I'll do my best!" Iruma gave her a nervous but determined smile before joining the group of students heading toward the forest.

Hanako watched him go, her heart heavy with concern but also filled with pride. He had grown so much since they had first arrived in the netherworld.

However, Hanako's worries turned to frustration when she saw Iruma and Lied treating it like a leisurely camping trip, ending the first day with zero points.

Zero points.

"What is that boy doing?" Hanako muttered in exasperation.

During a break from tallying up students' scores, she decided to check on Iruma's progress. Using the bat monitor that each teacher had access to, Hanako searched for his name. To her surprise, his score was still zero points. After checking the footage, she confirmed it.