Chapter 109

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on January 26, 2025

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“Everyone really struggled with the midterms. The final exam isn’t going to be as complicated, so there’s no need to worry too much.”

Luna’s chatter made the sides lively, but it quieted down with Malboro’s arrival.

Malboro offered some words of encouragement before giving us a quick glance, and his gaze clearly landed on me and Grace.

With an unfortunate incident happening at the Academy, the professors were bound to feel the heat. Choices were to be made here.

It’s either a clear cut talk or stay focused on the task at hand. But considering Grace’s background, there’s only one choice.

“There were many things going on during the midterms. However, this is ultimately our professors’ blunder. So the damage from the midterms should be minimal, and there’s no need to worry.”

A subtle mention to keep us focused solely on academics. That’s probably the best they could do.

Even if Delphi’s case was settled, the aftereffects would linger for quite a while. Professors couldn’t help but keep an eye out.

‘In about a week, things should calm down.’

Now that the midterms are over, we can relax until finals. There won’t be any intense practical sessions in between, as most of it will be theory and training.

Every Wednesday, I’d meet with Gloria and Kronos to train, and on weekends, I could have my personal downtime, and all that jazz.

Going out to the forest now and then to snag some money wouldn’t hurt either. At least until finals, I’ve got nothing on my plate.

“Usually, there would be feedback papers, but given the circumstances, we’ve skipped that. Also…”

Malboro’s explanation went on for quite a while, relating to the finals.

Most of the scores would be determined during the finals, and they would be careful to avoid any disasters like the midterms.

He firmly stated that absurd conditions like Attack Rights Restriction would never happen. If that were the case, I would have prepared for it.

“I can’t disclose details about the final exam, but I can assure you it will be much more fair than before. So everyone can rest easy.”

Well, that gives me some peace of mind. Even in unprecedented situations, professors are true veterans.

Even if there’s one balance-breaker, they should be able to manage it well. After all, the midterms felt somewhat unfair because of Delphi’s influence.

‘So maybe the finals will have some changes, too?’

I don’t remember everything, but I think the finals were split among teams, and on a grand scale.

While I was curious about how they would balance it out, a phrase I couldn’t ignore caught my ear.

“Before we start the class, I have one more thing to mention. It’s related to future practical sessions, so pay attention. It involves the Chaos Forest.”

“Huh?”

As soon as Chaos Forest was brought up, I snapped out of my daze and lifted my head.

Seeing my interest, Malboro explained his reason for the announcement.

“There might be students who frequently visit the Chaos Forest. Hunting, herb gathering, and whatnot. If you’ve got a Special Compass, you could deep dive into it. This is something everyone should know.”

Thanks to that, I managed to meet Eli and escape that dreadful forest.

Additionally, I even negotiated a blood feud and peace treaty with Porori. After that, I thought I’d never have to deal with the forest again.

I might have visited now and then to earn some cash. But I have no intention of living like I used to.

“However, starting today, individual access to the forest will be prohibited. The same goes for the outskirts unless a team of three or more is formed.”

“What’s that about? Why suddenly restrict the forest?”

“I’ve been gathering herbs every weekend…”

The sudden restriction on entering the Chaos Forest was unexpected. I wonder if something similar happened in the Soul World.

No matter how dangerous the Chaos Forest is, there was never a ‘restriction’ in place. But with this decision from the Academy, something must be up.

Predicting the chaotic atmosphere, Malboro didn’t seem fazed at all and began to explain the reasons one by one.

“The restriction is simple. Recently, there has been a significant upheaval in the Chaos Forest. As a result of that upheaval, monsters and beasts living deeper within are being pushed out to the outskirts.”

“…”

So, the beasts and monsters that used to live inside are being driven out. That’s undeniably a critical change.

An ecosystem tends to maintain a near-perfect balance. Such shifts imply that balance has been completely shattered.

As those thoughts crossed my mind, Malboro gazed at me with a peculiar expression before continuing.

“Typically, changes like this occur for two reasons. One is when a natural disaster strikes and damages the forest. However, there were no signs of fire or anything indicating that. In other words, there’s only one reason.”

The reason was something I could somewhat guess— a direct cause for the balance of the wilderness to shatter.

“It’s when the top predator in the food chain disappears. Just like the saying goes, when the tiger disappears, the fox becomes king; currently, the Chaos Forest is in a war to establish who the top predator is.”

It’s when a specific creature that ruled as a predator disappears. The Chaos Forest’s gone out of control due to the disappearance of its top predator.

The structure of a food chain is inherently complex. If a top predator disappears from such a complex web, what happens?

The creatures that were suppressed by that predator start to thrive, and while they fight among themselves, some get pushed out.

“The Chaos Forest is rich in magic, which lures in monsters and beasts. Thus, until the top predator is established, all sorts of beings will be drawn in. During that process, some animals will also be forced out.”

“Are you saying it’s because Sivar is gone?”

“Looks like it…?”

Luna replied with a hesitant voice to Kara’s question. She probably didn’t expect this either.

Not just Sivar; another being that ruled as a predator, Porori, also disappeared.

Even though Porori primarily feasts on acorns, there’s no mercy for those who invade its territory. It always strikes first and takes them down.

The stunned prey is usually taken out by other animals or monsters. I really was lucky there.

‘Things are going to get seriously twisted.’

We’re not just talking about one top predator gone— two have disappeared.

Instead of stabilizing the population, external predators must also be running rampant.

It wouldn’t be strange to call this a version of the Warring States Period in the Chaos Forest. The weaker prey are the ones that fall victim.

“Typically, only starving wolves or weak ones like slimes would be found in the outskirts. But recently, goblins and ogres are making appearances too.”

“Goblins and ogres?”

“Then it’s practically the same as venturing deep in.”

The news about goblins and ogres appearing once again stirred up chaos.

Though goblins and ogres are considered weak monsters, that’s only when they’re alone.

As the saying goes, quantity has a quality all its own; they absolutely do not move solo. They always come in groups of three or more.

Just one of them pulling a leg could lead to a dangerous situation. That’s almost how I ended up toast.

What’s more dangerous are the monsters that consider them their ‘prey.’ If we don’t act quickly, even predators could start appearing.

“So, the Academy has decided to mobilize not just professors but also students to deal with this. Since the Chaos Forest is close to the Academy, they plan to regulate it before it escalates.”

“Wait, are we going to have to fight?”

A student raised their hand and quietly asked. Their tone showed a mix of excitement and concern.

Usually, monster hunting is something saved for the second-year students. From the third year onward, it’s mostly about dealing with people.

In the first year, students generally focus on theory and practice, sharpening their skills. But this current situation might impact the Academy as a whole.

“Depending on the situation, yes. But the professors will be thoroughly ensuring your safety, so there’s no need to worry. Our main goal isn’t direct hunting but rather investigation and reconnaissance.”

The Academy is an educational institution where valuable talents converge. Each individual here could potentially shape the future of their respective nations.

In other words, if even one person were harmed, the loss would be tremendous.

Thus, the first-years, who lack actual combat experience, will only do simple tasks, while the real hunting will begin with the second-years.

“Of course, if you choose to act recklessly, that’s fine too. If any issues arise, the professors will take responsibility. However, once limbs or lives are lost, they can’t be restored, so keep that in mind.”

“…”

It means we could end up dead while being stubborn, so we should just keep our heads down and follow orders.

Everyone’s full of youthful vigor, so the professors must be especially vigilant. I get that.

“However, some students may not need specific guidance. Are there any students who’ve taken down large monsters like ogres alone, and multiple times at that?”

As soon as I heard that question, I quietly raised my hand. Kara did the same, sitting at the edge.

Looking around, it seemed we were the only two raising our hands. Whether as a group or solo, it was only us who had hunted multiple times.

“Just as I expected. You two will be tasked with protecting the other students during this practical session.”

“…”

“If you don’t like that, you’re free to move on your own. But you’ll have to write much more detailed reports.”

“Ugh.”

They really patched the balance this way. It looks like they’re granting freedom with the requirement of more detailed reporting.

Still, it’s way better than the Attack Rights Restriction. Kara and I don’t particularly need protection anyway.

I do have some responsibility in this matter, so I plan to give it my all. After all, Grace will be there to back me up.

“The practicals will be held once a week, until the outskirts stabilize. Is there anyone with questions?”

“How do we handle herbs or the beasts we hunt?”

“Most of it will be used for research activities in non-combat roles. The compensation will be fair, so don’t worry.”

Well, I guess I need to work hard for Eli’s sake. I should ask her later what’s needed.

I also need to discuss things with Porori. That guy constantly roams the woods, so he might have some insights.

Maybe he even realized the gravity of the situation and reduced his numbers ahead of time. If we just handle the outskirts, it should be smooth sailing.

“I can’t stress enough that the most important thing is safety. Especially those being pushed to the outskirts may not be the monsters you’re familiar with. Even if they lost a competition, their cunning remains intact.”

That’s pretty important. There’s a huge difference between being a top student in an ordinary school and one with prestige.

Moreover, the Chaos Forest is considered a high-level area. One can never let their guard down there.

‘No matter how I think about it, I don’t understand why they built a school here.’

From what I’ve heard, the First Hero established the Academy, and I can’t help but wonder what was going through their head.

They must’ve thought it was good for training. At least it’s a relief that monsters generally don’t come out to the surface.

Sure, there are strange beings like Porori that pop up now and then, but they don’t wander out. It’s a place you can’t enter without a Special Compass anyway.

“Students can team up with whoever they want. Just make sure to inform a guardian. The guardians include professors, teaching assistants, and those two who raised their hands earlier, totaling eight people.”

Since it was merely ‘guardians,’ it seems teaching assistants were included too.

Our class has about thirty participants, so that makes three to four people per team. Grace is automatically included, so we need to find one more.

“Yeon-joo, would you like to join us?”

“Sure.”

Correction— Lee Yeon-joo is also automatically included.

Effectively, it’s like a combo deal of a burger and soda with those two. Now we just need one more person.

This practical session carries little meaning in terms of balance; after all, the primary goal is investigation and reconnaissance.

If you write the report based on what you observed and heard, anyone should score well. In fact, it might work against me.

“We plan to enter the forest tomorrow afternoon since there are students who haven’t been in yet. We will also distribute the papers detailing findings from the weekend, so everyone should read through them.”

Malboro handed over a thick stack of paper he was holding in his hand. One by one, the papers began to be passed out from the front.

I received one from the front row and checked its contents. I was curious to know what it detailed.

‘Doesn’t seem like there’s anything major to worry about.’

There aren’t any monsters that the students can’t handle. Instead, there are monsters that individuals alone might struggle against.

If we form teams, we should be capable of hunting, not just surveying. It’s truly for safety’s sake.

[A squirrel the size of a large dog was spotted. The squirrel fled as soon as it encountered the investigation team.]

“…”

This research proves to be quite helpful. But what’s Porori doing, not keeping an eye on Eli?

I might need to meet Porori after class ends today. It’d be good to catch up with Eli as well.

Eli also hasn’t been around recently due to midterms. To make things worse, she’s under a probationary period, so she’s probably worried.

I slowly flipped through the papers and neatly folded them in half. Besides Porori, there wasn’t much to worry about.

After all today’s classes, I decided to have a separate meeting with Eli after a long while.