The Shadow Manipulator

Chapter 38: Entrance

The night was already cold and windy when we arrived at the forest at the edge of the town. The stars in the sky were quite evident and since there are no buildings around, we could totally enjoy the view. We could hear the faint rustles of the trees as we entered the lush forest. It feels more like a camping event more than a Familiar-Choosing event. Master Ryu even went to all the trouble bringing a few sleeping bags and tent with us. Well, since my  dad briefed us that we are going to walk quite a distance, all of us decided to travel lightly, all except Master Ryu who seems to be having a hard time. "At last! We're almost there!" He exclaimed. "I really prepared for this trip, you know." He panted.

Kirihara and I looked at him and smiled, we couldn't bring ourselves to lend a hand since we know that he could manage it. Master Ryu seems like he's just acting after all. He could carry at least two tonnes during our training. (I could only carry a fourth of a ton in my full power and Kirihara could carry half a ton.)

Meanwhile, Mitsumi, Hana, and Yume began wandering to the farther left as if they were discussing something. All of them looked so serious as if they were talking about some sort of situation. Well, they were probably having some king of girl's talk so I didn't bother eavesdropping using my hearing enhancement. On the other hand, Aoyama and Rin were on my right side and they were arguing whether they'll accompany us all the time or not. They seem really fired up on getting dad to the Institute. Aoyama, however, suggested that they take this once-in-a-lifetime chance to get the best Familiar as their partners. He even pulled out a book about Familiars from his bag.

My Dad, Master Ryu, and Mr. Yukine were busy taking the lead in front and observing all of us at the same time. Kirihara and I were right behind them so we could hear all their conversations even though we deactivated our sense enhancement. "Hey, Hikari. Why are they talking about impressing you. They kept on telling themselves that they are all rivals on love or something like that." Kirihara told me with a straight face while pointing to the girls' group.

Eh?!

So I was the only one who deactivated my sense enhancement!

I guess I was spot-on when I assumed that they were talking about girl's stuff. Kirihara must have misheard it or something. I thought while trying to come up with a response to Kirihara.

Kirihara suddenly smiled and patted me on the back. "That was just a joke! I was just testing if you have your sense enhancement turned on."

"Well, I couldn't listen in to their conversation so I'll turn it off for a moment." I told him. "Besides, why are you eavesdropping on them? Want me to to tell your little sister about it?" I teased.

"Ke?! I wasn't listening to their conversation, you know! I was just testing you!" Kirihara firmly defended. "Cough... You should probably activate your sense enhancement right now. Master Ryu told us to keep it activated at all times since we don't know what's going to happen. You'll also be able to help everyone out, you know." He convinced. "Oh! I forgot to mention, they are not talking about girl stuff so it's okay."

Wait?! How did you know that? I asked in my mind. Were you listening since the beginning?

"Well, you're right." I responded. "It might be dangerous here so I'll use my sense enhancement. We're entering the thicker parts of the forest anyway."

As we trekked towards the deeper parts of the forest, the skies were eventually blocked out by the sun. The forest seemed darker than ever and dad began advising us to huddle together so as not to get lost. Using his light irregularity, dad lit up his right hand while leading us. "Stay close everyone!" He told us.

Eh?!

Something's wrapped around my arm! I thought. I immediately put my sight enhancement to the maximum so I would be able to see during the dark. Whatever it was, it's wrapping around my arm tighter and tighter. Is it a snake? Or maybe, some sort of Familiar that came out of the Gate. I wondered.