Tree. Tree. Tree. Another Tree. It turns out that if you’ve seen one giant tree, you’ve seen them all—At least, it feels like it here in The
Tree. Tree. Tree.
Another Tree.
It turns out that if you’ve seen one giant tree, you’ve seen them all—At least, it feels like it here in The Endless Forest. Hugh, I think I finally understand how this magic-dense reign got its name. At first, I thought it was lazy naming on some fat noble’s part who never left his desk, but on second thought, it's relatively accurate.
And maybe it was because we'd been here so long, but all these trees were starting to look familiar, and it was messing with my head. It made me feel like I was constantly lost, even though I knew we were heading in the general direction we needed to go.
I haven’t felt this way since my father took me into the forest for the first time, and it was hard to forget how that ended.
Wait a minute— I was either crazy or I've definitely seen that exact tree somewhere.
“What is it?” Tabitha turned to me, concerned as soon as I stopped pulling our sled, her eyes scanning our surroundings for any trace of a threat.
“Hey Tabs, I think I’ve finally snapped, but doesn’t that tree look familiar? In fact, is it just me, or don’t they all look familiar?”
“It’s the forest,” Tabitha deadpanned, making me feel sillier than I already did, but I couldn't get the sensation that we'd already been here out of my head.
I already checked to ensure I wasn't under the effects of a skill—I wasn’t going to let that happen again if I could help it—And yet the sensation persisted.
“I’m serious,” I pout. “Take a good look around, and tell me I’m crazy. Please?”
Tabitha made it seem like she was reluctant, but she did what I asked, and after a few minutes of her staring at the trees around us, trying to see what I saw, her expression slowly changed. "Actually," she sounded hesitant, like she was nervous about agreeing with me— like it went against her instincts or something. “I think you might have a point.”
“Right?” I smile brightly. “I think this is the way we came in.”
"I believe you are right," Tabitha nodded in agreement after a moment. "We're close to where we started our journey."
“Thank heavens,” I sigh with relief, rolling my shoulders. “Let’s grab the last of our loot and get out of here. What?” I notice Tabitha giving me one of her trademarked blank stares. “Is there something on my face?” I hope it’s not a bug; I don't even want to imagine what damage one of these monstrosities could do.
I didn't have a problem with insects, but I drew the line when they were bigger than my fist and had magical properties, and then all bets were off.
“I’m just surprised you’re so set on retrieving the bird feathers you left behind,” Tabitha drooled. “Is what we have not enough for you?” She asked, glancing back at the sled I was pulling.
I’ll be the first to admit my loot brain was a little wonky at the moment, but Tabitha had to understand I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this, right?
“Pish,” I scoff and quote a line from a movie I mostly forget. “Enough is never enough. You just don’t get it because you aren’t a craftsman like me,” I roll my eyes and shake my head as if disappointed in her. All in good fun, of course.
“No, I understand all that,” Tabitha didn’t back down, her eyes narrowing the way they did when she was about to cut something to shreds with her sword. "I mean, for someone who claims they are in a rush to return home, you aren't exactly afraid to add more to what you are pulling."
Well, she had me there, I awkwardly scratch the back of my head. Looking back, I glance at the cart I built and how it almost overflowed with materials.
We started with just what we took from the winged serpent’s corpse and the things in our packs, and it stayed that way for a while, but I couldn’t help but add a few things here and there.
First, I gathered a small pile of force-absorbing bricks on our way back from the sporadic ruins we passed. But, come on, she couldn't fault me for them— Their unique properties were too special for me not to bring at least a few back with us.
And, okay, maybe I grabbed a few cuttings from plants with high mana thresholds—Sue me.
Then, there were the parts of the magic beasts Tabitha killed that stood out to me…
Some shiny rocks……
Alright, I might have gone overboard at some point, but who hasn’t grabbed everything remotely valuable when on an adventure? And thanks to all the levels I gained, it wasn't like I couldn't pull everything.
No, no, Tabitha was right; I should ditch everything nonessential.
…..
“But my loot,” I moan loudly to Tabitha’s exasperation.
“Only the stuff from the winged serpent matters.” Tabitha scolds me, crossing her arms in front of her, doing her best older-sister impression. Too bad for her, I had the perfect counter for such a look; it only took my best puppy-dog eyes with Charm's help for her rigid posture to soften.
“Must you do that?” She rubbed the bridge of her nose.
“I don’t know what you mean,” I play dumb.
“Sure, you don’t,” Tabitha deadpanned, not convinced in the slightest.
“Do you really have to bring all this back?” She asked again after letting out a long sigh. “I’ll admit the grey bricks are unique, but the rest could be bought with a fraction of what we’ll get for the winged serpent materials.”
“That’s true,” I don’t dispute Tabitha’s claim, but she still wasn’t getting it. Striking a pose, I glared down my nose at my teacher. “But what kind of adventurers would we be if we didn’t return with everything we could?” I say proudly.
For a minute, I stood there mid-pose, trying not to laugh. Tabitha—Tabitha was stoney-faced as ever. I was beginning to think it was her secret skill.
And then, finally, she said something.
“You’re right.”
It was only two words, but they were the ones I wanted to hear the most. The sky opened up, and I was bathed in a glorious light—In my mind, in reality, we were still deep in the dimly lit forest.
As I was about to jump for joy, Tabitha delivered a devastating counter I should’ve seen coming. “You have gone crazy," she added just as I was about to celebrate, and the light was gone, replaced by storm clouds and rain.
"That cut deep," I mime, grabbing my side exaggeratedly. "Your tongue is as sharp as your sword."
Tabitha wasn’t evil, so she let me have a minute to be silly, but after that, in the most monotone voice yet, she proclaimed that we'd been alone together too long before walking away without looking back.
"Hey, wait, don’t leave without me!” I shout, grabbing the reins to the sled and rushing to catch up to her. It didn't take me long to do so; that's how I knew she wasn’t really tired of me yet.
Once I was back at her side, I laughed and smiled for the both of us while Tabitha tried to hide all signs of emotion, but I could see in her eyes she was having fun. After I had a chance to calm down, I turned to her again, but this time, I was more serious. “It’s not for me,” I tell her.
Confused, Tabitha raises an eyebrow at me, so I elaborate. “The materials, they’re not for me,” I clarify, earning me a rare surprised look from my teacher.
“There for my friends and family,” I grin at her before staring into the distance. “They won’t be able to do anything with the winged serpent materials—Hell, I’m not even sure if I can,” I admit.
“Master Del likes to pretend that he’s given up on improving his smithing, but I’ve seen how much fun he has helping me with my flashier projects. I’m hoping the rocks and bricks will keep him occupied once I’m gone,” I do my best to try not to sound too sad.
“And the plants?” Tabitha asks me.
“Those are for Sandra,” I grin. “Being a broke mage is hard, and I never got her a wedding gift. I plan to keep in touch with her and exchange magic notes once I’m in Scholl, but who knows how busy I’ll be then? Together, we uncovered the basics of enchanting; if given the chance, she'll go far. The plants and monster materials will help with that. Even if she can’t use all of them, she could sell the rest to Silver Herd.”
“So, you’re giving it all away.” For a brief moment, Tabitha flashed me a proud smile that nearly sent me tripping over myself. By the time I stopped stumbling, it was gone.
“Yep, I also plan on asking Pacore—”
“Master Pacore,” Tabitha corrected me, but her heart wasn't entirely in it, having long since given up on having me refer to him by his proper title.
“I’ll ask Pacore to send the majority of my share from selling the winged serpent materials to my parents and the village,” I continue cheekily despite Tabitha’s interruption, leaving her to shake her head in defeat.
"That's very noble of you," Tabitha praises me blankly. "Not many could give away such a fortune without hesitation.”
“Hah,” I can’t help but let out a little laugh. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, but believe me, I’ve thought about it a lot.”
“Oh?” Tabitha urges me to continue with her eyes.
“Well, at first I thought about buying some cool magic gear like you have,” I smile sheepishly, worried Tabitha might judge me for being selfish, but she doesn’t.
“Yes, that is what most people would do,” she nods. “What changed your mind?”
“Honestly, it’s pretty stupid,” I shrug helplessly. “Maybe it’s because I’m a craftsman at heart, but I want to make my gear with my own two hands."
“Then why not use the money to buy materials to do just that?” Tabitha doesn’t hesitate to poke holes in my logic, but I don't mind. I enjoyed it; it showed she was listening to me and actually putting some thought behind her questions and responses.
“Oh, believe me, I’m going to buy materials with the smaller portion of the money I’m keeping, but it’s not for the kind of materials I Invision my gear to be made out of,” I tell her. "Everyone praises me for the things I can make, but they’re far from perfect.”
"Take your shield, for example," I gesture at the buckler on her left arm. “It’s amazing as it is, but it’s half forged,” I can’t help but frown a bit. “Sure, the conditions were shit, but if I was better, that wouldn't have mattered," I state firmly.
“I need to improve my smithing, and I'll never go far if I only make half-finished products, even if the materials are tier 6,” I proclaim hotly.
“I see; it appears you took my lessons to heart.” There was a glint of pride in Tabitha’s eyes. “One must build up their strength gradually. Master the basics, and the rest will follow."
I wanted to let Tabitha have her moment—I did. But….
How could I consider her my big sister if I didn’t mess with her when the opportunity presented itself on a silver platter?
“You sure about that?” I challenge her with a smirk. “Because our levels say otherwise.”
“That—” Tabitha had to pause to come up with an appropriate response but came back twice as fierce. “That doesn’t count; your skill is just cheating!” She defends her prior statement. “Besides, even if you can level, if your skills aren’t up to stuff, you’ll lose against your first well-trained opponent, even if you have twenty levels on them.”
I couldn’t help it; I laughed because she wasn't wrong. "Does the same apply to you?” I ask sassily once I catch my breath.
“Especially to me,” Tabitha says with deadly seriousness. "You have given me a gift I can never repay,” she begins solemnly. I wanted to tell her that wasn't true, but she kept talking before I could reassure her that wasn't the case. “But at the same time, it is a curse. People will learn about my level, much like yours, and think I earned it through hard work and bloodshed.”
“But you have,” I frown.
“That’s kind of you to say, but not that kind of bloodshed,” Tabitha shakes her head sorrowfully. “People will see my level and assume I have the matching skills. More will be asked of me, and when I fall short, people will die."
It feels like the temperature dropped a few degrees. I see; that's why Tabitha insisted on practicing her new skill every chance she got. Now I feel sad.
"Hey, Tabitha. I know it isn't much, but I promise to help you so that never happens." I do my best to lift her mood.
I watch Tabitha's lips curl a few centimeters into the faintest smile. "I'd appreciate that.”
I lean in to try and give the smaller woman a surprise hug, but she effortlessly dances out of my grasp. I'm seconds away from trying again when I sense a strong presence in the distance. I freeze my arms wide open and stare blankly in the direction in question. “We have company.”
“Are they heading in our direction?” Tabitha asks, her hand already resting on her sword hilt.
"Give me a second," I tell her before closing my eyes and activating Meditation to boost my sensing range.
"Scratch that; we have a lot of company," I correct my earlier statement. "A lot of company—I finally remember why these trees feel so familiar."
“The goblins we encountered?" Tabitha easily guesses.
“The same,” I nod with my eyes closed. “I can sense the big bastard leading them, and yes, they're heading directly toward us. We should see the first signs of them in a few minutes,” I tell Tabitha.
“Is that so?” I can hear the excitement in her voice. “Finally, a proper workout."
“Do you think they’ll remember us?” I ask curiously.
“Let’s hope not,” I open my eyes to see Tabitha smiling the way she does when we're about to spar. "They ran away last time; I wouldn't want them to do that again."
Now, it was my turn to shake my head in exasperation. She refuses to laugh at one of my jokes, but she'll smile ear-to-ear at the thought of slaughtering a hoard of goblins—typical Tabitha.
"Should we do the same as last time and ambush them from the trees?" I ask.
“We could, but I feel that might not be needed,” Tabitha shakes her head thoughtfully.
“Well, we have leveled a lot since the last time we ran into them,” I mumble in agreement. "I take it you want me to handle the small fries while you have fun with the big guy and his Lieutenants?”
“If it’s not too much to ask of you,” Tabitha shoots me a cocky challenging smile.
“Fine,” I agree with the roll of the eyes. “But only if they attack. If they leave us alone, we keep moving. Deal?"
"You're no fun," Tabitha frowned, exaggeratingly.
“That’s rich coming from you,” I shoot back.
We could continue, but we’re forced to cut our bickering short when the first greyish-green face appears in the distance, and as soon as the first shows up, the rest are quick to follow.
At first, the goblins rush at us, screeching like a pack of hyenas, led by our old friend, the humongous horned hobgoblin. Tabitha and I prepare our weapons, but something changes once they get close enough to get a good look at us.
Their leader shrieks an order, and while a ravenous mob doesn’t stop on a dime, they manage to halt before they can fully close the distance between us.
“You have got to be kidding me,” I barely hear Tabitha hiss in disappointment under her breath over the goblin's furious shouting.
“I think they remember us,” I cheekily whisper back to her, earning me an offended glare.
While all the rank-and-file goblins shrieked loudly and rattled their makeshift weapons threateningly, the horned goblins, including their leader, stared at us with open hostility but refused to take a single step forward from where they stopped.
Their leader’s expression was slightly different from the rest, though. He stood intimidatingly in front of his best warriors, cool as a cucumber, examining us with his bright red eyes. He kept looking between us and our cart, specifically the winged serpent's severed head proudly displayed on top of everything.
Last time, he barely looked at me, choosing to focus on Tabitha, but now he eyed me like I was a threat. Could he tell that I was now at a higher level than him?
The tense standoff only lasts a few seconds before the goblin leader yells something incomprehensible to the rest of them, and the hoard goes completely silent. The bulk of the goblins shoot their leader unsatisfied looks before slowly backing away from us.
“Oh, come on!” Tabitha yells at the goblin leader challengingly, but he only grins smugly in return. He really was more intelligent than the rest of them.
Once the weaker goblins were far enough away, the horned hobs and their leader began walking away, careful never to take their eyes off us.
Tabitha angrily sheathes her sword, and I reattach my hammer to my back with Mana Threads. But before the goblin leader disappears out of sight, something overcomes me, and I call out to him.
“Hey!” I shout, drawing his and every other goblin's attention.
“What are you doing?” Tabitha asks confusingly. I ignore her question and point at the snake head on our sled.
The goblin leader is confused by this until I slowly shift where I'm pointing at. Instead of the lesser dragon’s head, I was now pointing back the way we came, deeper into the forest, specifically to the dead zone the winged serpent once occupied.
“He won’t need it anymore," I shout, hoping their leader is intelligent enough to understand what I am implying.
The goblins' leader looks in the direction I am pointing but doesn't react otherwise. He and the other goblins then disappear out of sight, and I follow them with Sense Mana until they’re out of range.
“They’re gone," I inform Tabitha, who gives me a funny look.
“Why point them in that direction?” She asks me, confusion written across her face.
“Just felt like it,” I shrug. “I figured it couldn’t hurt.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, if they move deeper into the forest, they’ll either settle in the old ruins or become prey to something stronger," I explain my reasoning. "Either way, less of the weaker goblins will be kicked out into the normal parts of the forest.”
“And if they don’t go?”
“Then things will stay the same,” I shrug again. “We thinned their numbers last time, and the village took care of the weaker hoard last year, so it will take some time before they become a problem again.”
“Or we could’ve just killed them all now,” Tabitha stated sourly.
“We could’ve,” I acknowledge that that was an option. "However, that would leave a hole in the ecosystem. Remember, this all started because those magic spiders followed the goblins out of the magic-dense region.”
"And them moving toward the deeper parts of the forest, wouldn't?" Tabitha challenged.
“Who knows,” I admit. “I just offered them the option on a whim,” I tell her.
"You and your whims," Tabitha sighs deeply before straightening her shoulders. “I’m tired, let’s go.”
“Right beside you,” I tell her cheerfully. I didn't say it because I knew she would find it silly of me, but I was secretly happy that we didn't need to kill the goblins. Sure, I hated them as a species, but ending our adventure on a killing spree just didn't feel right to me. We've had enough of that as is. All I wanted to do was grab my feathers and leave, and I was okay with that.
If the goblins really became a serious problem down the line, then I would come back and kill them all myself. But until that happens, they deserve a chance to live—preferably deep inside the forest, far away from the village.
In my head, I could picture the long route we took to get here.
The last leg of the journey should be the easiest—Knock on wood. The mana was thinning considerably, and with it, the chance that we would run into anything dangerous. The goblins should’ve been our final hurdle, and now that we were past them, we were free to leave in peace.
A few days—I would be home in a few days, and this adventure would officially end. It was a long time coming, but at least it would be one hell of a story to tell.
I just hope we make it back before Sandra has her baby. I wanted to be there when my niece or nephew entered the world.
Thinking about it, we'll be cutting it close. We better hurry.
**********
Author’s Notes:
At this point, I should always add another day to my release plans. I swear, I have a problem.
I tried to have this chapter out late last night, but the map I made took up more time than I thought, and the chapter kept growing.
As the map improves, I'll do my best to post updates.
Due to an earlier mistake with how I made my last map, people mistook which way was north, but I assure you it was always the way it was. It's why Fort North Ridge is named as it is; it's at the north end of the passage leading to Scholl.
And with this, we find ourselves finally at the end of The Endless Forest arc. It took three years in the making, but it’s finished now.
I’m going on a short vacation with my grandpa on Wednesday, so I'm aiming to post another chapter on Monday before I leave—Which will likely be pushed back to Tuesday with my luck, but that’s why I’m trying to be ambitious. I’ll be back home next Monday, so let’s say the next chapter after that will be the following Wednesday.
Thanks for reading, and as always, stay safe and comment.