Leaving Aquiln behind, Gravel's party set off toward Damu, continuing their journey along the deep and silent forest path.
Though it was the midst of winter, there was no trace of accumulated snow anywhere. Bare branches stretched long toward the sky, casting slender, elongated shadows. Dry leaves crunched underfoot, adorning the ground, yet faint green moss lingering in spots gave the impression that life persisted even amid winter.
Dew clung damply to the tree trunks, and a fine mist enveloped the forest, blurring the view into the distance. The air was cold and crisp, and with each breath, the chill of winter seemed to seep deep into the chest.
Leading the way was the wagon pulled by Mau and Dallen.
From behind the wagon, stretching long into the quiet forest, came Keuraber's deep, heavy breathing. The night before leaving Aquiln, he had drunk with his apprentice Neidin and other masons, barely making it to the wagon on time the next day. Now, exhausted, Keuraber let out a weary "puuuh" as sleep claimed him.
As usual, Dallen spoke to Gravel in that characteristically calm voice, sharing tales of the forest.
"This forest is called Belrant Forest. It lies on the path connecting Aquiln and Damu. And as the name suggests, it's said to be the place where the shepherds of the trees slumber."
Gravel's eyes sparkled as the words caught interest, prompting a question.
"Shepherds of the trees? What kind of beings are they?"
Dallen smiled and nodded.
"They are the tree giants known as Vrant. I heard this story long ago from the elders of Damu, so the details are hazy, but their deep connection to this forest is certain. After all, the forest's name comes from Belrant, the eldest among the Vrant."
Mau chuckled from one side.
"I've heard of the Vrant clan too. They're said to be guardians of the forest."
"That's right."
Dallen continued.
"The Vrant are said to have been born from the yearning of trees—defenseless and slow-growing—for beings to protect them. They guarded the woods, warding off outsiders and tending to the trees. But these days, no one sees them. I don't know why, but even my grandfather said he'd never laid eyes on a Vrant."
"So, beings that have dwelled in this forest since ancient times... now unseen..."
"They were enormous in size, it's told. Elves called them 'tree giants,' or by names meaning the eldest beings under sun and moonlight... What was it again...? Anyway, even the youngest Vrant stood at least 6 cubits tall (about 3 meters), so they must have been truly immense. And alongside the forest watchers known as Aornn, they are said to slumber somewhere even now."
As Dallen seemed about to conclude, an odd sound arose around them. The rustling of bushes mingled with low breathing, shattering the forest's silence.
"...Hm? What's that noise?"
The moment Dallen turned, three trolls burst from the woods with a roar. Their massive forms were caked in moss and dirt, and in their hands, they gripped heavy, crude wooden clubs.
"GWaaaaaa!"
"Aaaah!! Trolls?!"
Dallen cried out in alarm.
Nia and Iris moved without hesitation. Nia charged at the foremost troll with agile grace.
Nia's sword sliced through the forest shadows in a sharp, curving arc. The troll's swinging club was cleaved in half in an instant along the blade's path, and Nia swiftly severed the troll's arms and legs. The sword flew toward the troll's neck in a flash, and its massive head thudded to the ground with a heavy thump.
Iris drew her sword toward the troll on the right. Her movements were composed yet fierce. Before the troll could even attempt an attack, Iris's blade slashed deep into its abdomen. As the troll staggered with a guttural scream, Iris swiftly withdrew the sword and swung it toward the head. The troll collapsed on the spot.
Iris then launched toward the last troll. With nimble footwork, Iris circled to its flank and leaped, swinging the sword to decapitate it in one clean stroke. The third troll fell, shaking the earth.
All of this unfolded in mere seconds.
Dallen blinked and murmured.
"...Impressive. Both of you."
"It's nothing."
Nia offered a light smile. Iris sheathed her sword slowly, scanning the surroundings.
Mau steadied breathing and said.
"Three trolls... taken down so quickly..."
*****
Darkness deepened in Belrant Forest. A deep crimson hue faded slowly from the sky above, as thick shadows enveloped the entire woods. Trees extended slender branches, intertwining to obscure the heavens, while fallen leaves and moss tangled underfoot, weighing down each step. As time passed, even the forest's creatures seemed to cease their sounds, leaving only a profound stillness.
In the heart of such a forest, an orange flame began to flicker gradually amid the gloom. The campfire's light danced through the branches, leaking out like a colossal eye awakening in the dark. The flames grew, spreading a warm glow around, and the soft crackle of burning twigs echoed faintly, rousing the forest's quiet.
"Let's see... Lighting a fire is easy, but it must be done right to last long, you know."
Keuraber stood by the fire, speaking low and drawing the party's attention. His white hair gleamed like silver threads in the firelight.
Bending slowly, Keuraber picked up a stone and placed it carefully beside the campfire.
"By encircling it with stones like this."
He gestured to the surrounding stones and continued.
"When the fire radiates heat from the center, these stones absorb it and reflect it back. That way, the fire burns hotter and longer, inevitably."
The party showed interest, gathering quietly closer. Keuraber lifted stones one by one, meticulously arranging them around the campfire.
"Moreover, these stones block the wind blowing from the sides. Fire needs to breathe to live, but it weakens before too strong a gust. That's why placing the stones like this is crucial."
Dallen nodded and said.
"So, rather than just piling stones haphazardly, one must create proper breathing spaces for the fire."
"Exactly."
Keuraber smiled in response.
"Encircle the fire with stones, but leave room for it to breathe. And that's not all."
He held one stone, rotating it slowly in his hand as he went on.
"A stone warmed just right will hold the heat long after the campfire dies. So, it's wise to select one of suitable size to carry in your bosom. This way, when you break camp in the morning, you can take it out and stay warm for a while longer."
Mau tilted head curiously and asked.
"How do you choose such a stone?"
"Quite simple, you know."
Keuraber set the stone down and replied.
"Wrap it in your hands to impart warmth, then place it on one palm and feel the surface. A good stone for warming will retain heat evenly, without cold spots."
As the air around the campfire grew warmer, everyone drew near and sat, admiring once more the artful ring of stones around the fire, marveling at Keuraber's skill.
"As expected from a master stone stacker."
"Any Mason of Laboreus can do this much, you know. Stacking stones isn't just about brute strength. You must understand how each stone breathes and holds heat."
Keuraber said with a laugh.
The party savored his words, each enjoying the campfire's warmth. The light pushed back the forest's darkness, enveloping them. Keuraber's voice, low but resonant, echoed, bringing a momentary peace to their hearts.
In the campfire's warmth, the party enjoyed a brief respite laced with silence. Thanks to Keuraber's delicate stone arrangement, the fire burned steadily, its glow softly illuminating their faces. But that tranquility didn't last long.
Amid the campfire's soothing warmth, as a moment of peace flowed, Nia sniffed the air, eyes suddenly sparkling, and exclaimed.
"Delicious smell!"
At those words, the entire party's gaze turned to Nia.
"Nia, what's going on?"
Dallen asked with a startled expression.
Instead of answering, Nia sprang up and dashed into the forest depths.
"Hey! Nia, wait up!"
Mau shouted, but Nia had already vanished into the shadows.
"What smell could that be? But... is it really a tasty one?"
Dallen tilted head in puzzlement.
Shortly after, Nia reappeared. In both hands, Nia held a deep purple fruit tinged with a faint red, its surface bumpy and irregular. Showing it to everyone, Nia declared.
"Look look! Tasty thing!"
"What is that?"
Dallen narrowed eyes and said.
"Found it in the forest. Smells good and looks interesting!"
Nia twirled the fruit in one hand while speaking.
"Wait... That's a fruit I've never seen before."
Mau approached to examine it.
"It's large and bumpy—looks like it could be poisonous at a glance, doesn't it?"
"If it smells good, no poison! Eating it!"
As Nia moved to take a bite, Dallen thrust out a hand to stop it.
"No! How can you just eat something unknown like that!"
Dallen said with a horrified expression.
"But the smell is really good!"
Nia lifted the fruit again, sniffing it with a blissful look.
Dallen inspected the fruit and murmured.
"Wingleberry... No, not blackberry either... Ah! Could it be the Vrant's fruit...?"
"Vrant's fruit?"
Mau asked in surprise.
"You mean the legendary one?"
"Yes. But no one knows if it's safe to eat."
Dallen shook head.
"Only one way to check dar! Nom!"
Nia sparkled eyes and lifted the fruit, mouth opening wide. But at that instant, Gravel reached out to stop Nia.
"Wait, Nia. I'll try it. I know a detoxification spell, so if there's poison, I can handle it."
At those words, everyone looked at Gravel with momentary surprise. But as Gravel reached for the fruit, Iris stepped forward quietly.
"That won't do, Lord Gravel."
She said with a serious expression.
"Such a risky act—I will take it upon myself."
Iris bowed head toward Gravel.
"Anything that could harm my lord is my duty to face. That is my role."
Nia handed over the fruit with a smile.
"Good! If the master says tasty, then Nia eats too!"
Iris accepted the fruit wordlessly and carefully peeled the skin. White flesh emerged.
"Hm, it doesn't look poisonous at first glance..."
Without hesitation, Iris sliced a piece of the flesh and put it in her mouth.
As Iris placed the white flesh in her mouth, the entire party held their breath, watching intently. Tension hardened everyone's expressions.
"Uh... How is it? Are you okay, sis?"
Mau asked cautiously.
But Iris chewed slowly without replying. When her eyebrows twitched slightly, Dallen suddenly shouted.
"Could it be that the poison is stiffening the body?"
"Wait, not paralysis poison, is it?!"
Mau said with a panicked face.
"Really okay?!"
Nia flailed hands while peering at Iris's face.
"Should I prepare the detoxification spell?"
Dallen asked Gravel.
"Uh... Yes. No, wait... Iris, say something first!"
Gravel sensed Iris's mana flow remained stable but thought direct confirmation would be surer.
Iris continued chewing in silence. As the corners of her mouth seemed to dip slightly, Dallen clutched head and cried out.
"This is trouble! It must be poisoned! The reason Iris isn't responding is because the body is rigid and can't move!"
"Is sis really alright?"
Mau said, face turning tearful.
"Being silent this long—something's off, isn't it?"
From beyond the firelight, Keuraber sat rubbing his forehead and said.
"Gravel, hurry with the detoxification spell!"
Dallen shouted.
At that moment, Iris quietly spoke.
"...It's delicious."
The party fell speechless for an instant.
"...What did you say?"
Dallen asked with a baffled expression.
"I said it's delicious."
Iris repeated with a serious face.
Upon hearing that, everyone collapsed in place, bursting into laughter.
"You say that so seriously!"
Mau said, unable to stifle the laughs.
"Sis, we thought you'd been poisoned! How scary—and then 'delicious'!"
Dallen clutched belly in laughter too.
Iris maintained a serious expression and said.
"It's sweet... with a slight tartness. Shall I offer some to you, Lord Gravel?"
Gravel waved hands dismissively.
"No, no. I've got that it's safe enough. Anyway... Is it really that good?"
Iris nodded in reply.
"Yes. Quite delicious. Shall I try a second piece?"
"No need!"
Dallen and Mau exclaimed in unison.
Nia, unable to stop laughing, said.
"Good! Then this fruit's name is now 'Delicious Dar Fruit'!"
The laughter that echoed briefly through the forest shadows melted back into the campfire's warmth. Nia still held the fruit, sniffing it with evident joy, while Iris sat silently, beginning to polish her sword.
The campfire continued to illuminate the party warmly.