"Woah..."
As we stepped out of the tower, My nose feels so clear now that I took a deep breath—fresh, clear air filled my lungs.
Living for seven years in this world, I'd never really gone outside for real. As an introvert, I didn't feel the need. Most of my time was locked in the library, laughing to myself while testing magic theories. The only grass I had ever touched was in our backyard.
A Mountains can be seen in the distance, an oversized moon, trees and plants looking totally different from Earth. Even the insects are so colorful it looks like something out of Alice in Wonderland.
Of course it would be beautiful, I'm the one who made it after all!
"The herbs we're looking for are mellow herbs. They're common in moist environments, which is why there's a lot in the forest—especially during the rainy season," Mary explained, holding up the drawing Dad gave us.
"When the herbs are still saplings, they absorb moisture from the earth and secrete a poison to protect themselves. That poison also contains spores, helping them multiply."
Ooh! So they're kind of like fungi! The drawing also shows a little fruit under the herb—like a skinless, blue onion.
"Sister, what's this pulp under the herb?" I pointed.
"We only need the herbs, but the pulp can be used in cooking after it dries. It's safe once the moisture is gone. Here, take these."
She handed us gloves.
"These will keep the poison from touching your skin if you accidentally grab a young one."
"What? why does it smells funny?" I commented
"Ew! it smells gross!"
"S-sorry! I didn't prepare a new ones because Teacher made his notice about this trip just now" Mary clumsily replied.
"don't apologize sister! we're the ones kind of bothering you in your work it's fine! this old gloves are nothing!"
"Hmph, let's stop this boring talk and start picking. I'm already getting bored," Lyrielle huffed.
"Hehe, let's go so we can finish quickly and go back to Teacher," Mary said cheerfully, taking my hand.
I reached out to Lyrielle too, but—
"Don't touch me, bird brain. I might catch your stupidity."
Waaah, that's harsh. I'll have you know I'm a very popular person.
Before entering the forest, a red flag from every reincarnation anime flashed in my head:
We might encounter a monster. I should take precautions.
I visualized a simple spell: store mana around me, and if something collided, trigger the mana surrounding me into a barrier.
Hehe… like setting up a conditional statement.
As we walked just along the edge of the forest, we began finding the herbs. But for someone reincarnated like me—
"Cool! A plant with curly thorns!"
"A pink bush!"
"A flying insect with glowing antennae!"
Everything was fascinating.
"Geh—what's up with him? Has stupidity completely taken over his head?" Lyrielle grumbled.
"Hehe! Let him be. You should play too, you're a kid after all!" Mary tried to cheer her up.
Instead of smiling, Lyrielle frowned. She looked… worried?
when i made the heaven's will, i made lily's lore focusing on the magic tower and her being a mage . I never created a childhood lore so even i don't know what is going on right now.
All I can do is watch.
Celine… I wonder when I'll meet you.
After about an hour, our bags were nearly full. Though there was plenty of grass, only some could be harvested.
"Big sister, there's not much left here. Should we go deeper?" I asked Mary.
"No, if we're done here, we should return. The forest is dangerous."
"Hmph! Scaredy cat. Just a few puny monsters up ahead—why not burn them?" Lyrielle waved her hand as she boast, creating a flame with flair.
"But you might start a forest fire," I warned.
"So what? It's just a few trees."
"Hey! Stop it! Let's go back now!"
As we began walking out—
Huh? W-wha...
I suddenly felt dizzy. My knees gave out.
*Thud!*
I reached out to see someone else collapse.
"L-Lily..."
My body felt numb and I can't get a hold of my consciousness.
Everything went black.
When I woke up, trees and plants surrounded me. I saw Lily lying right next to me but Mary is no where to be found."
Maybe she's finding help..
I slowly got up, my limbs still tingling along with a huge headache.
"ack.."
I felt a slight sting in my hands.
I removed the gloves Mary gave. My hand is all red and swelling.
"W-wha? What the heck?"
Is this poison? Why there's a poison in this gloves? Is it from picking the herbs?
While different thoughts ran into my head, I walked around to search the others and leave but there were no signs of exit.
"It's starting to get dark..."
Panic prickled in my chest every passing minute.
Dad must be searching for me by now.
"I know! I'll shoot a signal! Maybe dad can see it!"
I launched a basic fireball into the air, extinguishing itself at a safe height to avoid forest fire. I repeated it a few times to make sure.
"Should I use wind to fly above the trees and scout?"
Just as I gathered mana—
*Rustle*
There are sounds of leaves and footsteps behind me. I turn around to see a familiar face.
"Wow! You really surprised me. You were gone when I came back from my preparation! I got nervous, you know."
"Mary! Thank goodness!" I exhaled in relief thinking I'm saved.
"Let's go home! My dad is probably worried. I'll help you find the way but I should wake up Lily first."
"No need to do that~" Mary grinned. Her tone shifted.
A huge chill shot up my spine. Her eyes darkened.
In a blink of an eye—
*CRASH!*
Mary's hand is reached out.
I sweat in buckets while I look stunned at the dagger right in front of my face stuck in my broken barrier.
Mary's smile widened.
"Oh my~ A barrier? Well, you are the tower master's son. Still, surviving that? I'm a bit impressed."
She twirled another blade.
Damn… Am I gonna die again? If this was an RPG, what should I do...?