Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Episode 18: Foundations of Government

Kirkcour Woods,

Northern Rosendun,

16th Banem 1092.

Two days had passed since the events at Suvron's Gate. Since then, Kashi, Shadow, and Larsial had been wandering through the forests north of Rosendun in search of the centaurs Absalon had seen. In regards to the events at Suvron's Gate, initially, Kashi had intended on lying to Larsial. However, he changed his mind when Shadow informed him of her deductions.

Kashi was impressed by Larsial's ability to discern the nature of his inner world. For most people, having such an intelligent person by their side would lead to them becoming wary and suspicious. However, for Kashi, it was the opposite. The more intelligent Larsial was, the happier he was. This was because, with most people, he would have to rely on somehow winning over their hearts. However, for extremely intelligent people, it was often enough to convince their minds to begin with. After their minds had been conquered, he could then look into conquering their hearts.

Kashi did not need Larsial to like him. He only needed her to pick him over the daeben. This was the reason he had asked her to shadow him. Following this line of thought, he explained the summary of his abilities to the both of them, leaving out his ability to manipulate the elements.

Of course, another reason Kashi could so confidently expose his ability was that it wasn't something that could easily be countered. Whether it was the improved regeneration or muscle strength, they were both things that an enemy could not manipulate in battle. Also, Kashi adding life to his world was also something they could not manipulate or stop. At worst, the enemy would send assassins to hunt him down. But was that any different from what they would do regardless? As the guild leader of one of the largest guilds in the continent, it was only natural that he would be the target of assassinations. It was just unfortunate that Kashi was often a solitary wanderer hence it was immensely difficult for these assassins to track down his movements.

This was also why Kashi did not tell Shadow and Larsial about his ability to manipulate elements. Now that was an ability that could change the battlefield completely. It was better to keep that one a secret for as long as possible. Only then would it be even more effective against their enemies.

Following his explanation of his abilities, the trio traveled down to a large forest north of Rosendun called Kirkcour Woods. Kirkcour Woods was a dark forest home to many high-leveled creatures and monsters. The trees were robust and thick, often climbing as high as fifty to sixty meters high. Tightly-knit canopies blocked off sunlight, casting a dreary atmosphere over the forest. Eerie silence ruled like a mage had cast [Silence] on the entire forest.

Absalon had reported meeting the centaurs on the outskirts of this forest. Absalon had not gone to find the village because of time restraints, but the centaurs had assured him they lived within the forest. The centaurs his troops encountered were scouts sent out by the village to seek out adventurers for help. Absalon was not the first group they had asked for help nor would they be the last.

Prior to Absalon's arrival, a couple of adventurers had volunteered. Unfortunately, all the volunteers subsequently perished in the forest. Luckily for other curious people, a few of the adventurers were Summoned. One of the Summoned spread on the real world forums that the monsters in the forest were around Level 150. Analysts quickly realized that if the beasts were Level 150, then more than likely, the centaurs had to be around that level to have lived for so long in the forest. However, now there was a threat which even these Level 150 centaurs were completely helpless against.

Unfortunately for Kashi, by the time he arrived at the location specified by Absalon, there were no traces of the centaurs. Fearing they had switched locations, he even checked along the forest's perimeter, but after checking several miles in both directions and still not finding anything, he was forced to accept the reality that the scouts had retreated into the forest for some reason.