Chapter 49

- From the Perspective of the 4th Knight Regiment Commander of the Empire of Empelus -

I, the commander of the 4th Knight Regiment, received an imperial command from the king to investigate the forest. The command states that if any issues arise during the investigation, we should resolve them as much as possible. This is the order from the king for this mission.

The 4th Knight Regiment has always had frequent contact with the forest. Our primary tasks are capturing and slaying monsters, but forest investigations are also part of our duties. This time, there is talk of abnormalities in the magic stones, but a routine investigation should suffice. For me, the more others are worried, the less anxious I am about this mission.

"Is the problem the center of the king's forest?"

To me, my friend's words are not a problem. The King of the Forest is a negligible existence compared to our country's king.

I've heard that the King of the Forest disappeared several decades ago. What is so terrifying about its existence?

...

The news that cracks have appeared in the magic stones spread among the knights. However, upon closer inspection, the cracks are very small. The magic stones are much larger than usual, about 1 meter in size. A small crack in such a large stone is trivial. According to documents, when the magic stones were first discovered, cracks were visible all over them.

What is there to fear now? Even if the King of the Forest is alive and retaliating, we just need to suppress it. The King of the Forest is nothing more than a relic of the past.

Many felt uneasy when the cracks first appeared in the magic stones, including the knights. But when they heard that the cracks were very small, it seemed to mock those who felt fear. Of course, our country possesses the strongest power in the world.

"I hope so..."

I inwardly mocked my friend for being a coward as he laughed weakly.

...

The mountain path leading into the forest, the usual route we use to enter. However, I cannot take the first step. Looking back, I can see the tense faces of my subordinates.

There are no visible changes in the forest from the outside. It should be fine, but I can sense something from the forest, which gradually instills fear in my heart.

I order the slave troops to conduct the investigation. Meanwhile, we should start preparing for our usual tasks, such as setting up sleeping areas. However, no one is willing to make these preparations. It seems something is rejecting the preparations at this location.

I can see the slave troops returning from the forest. There are no issues around the forest's entrance. I take a deep breath and exhale.

My heart does not feel any better, but the investigation must proceed. I take a heavy step forward and enter the forest.

I recall my friend's worried face. If I had listened to him more carefully at that time...