New Goal

[I have a question.]

"This is the dumbest way to start a sentence."

Can't disagree with that.

[How exactly is the world outside of this forest?]

"Incredibly vast."

[That's it?]

"We could use many adjectives to describe it for sure."

[You're teasing me right now…]

"Hehe. The outside world truly is vast. The residents of the forest came from there for the most part. It would be questionable how much they remember of it after a long time has passed. There are many races, many civilizations, many natural wonders, it truly is vast. I'd like to tell you more, but I don't know myself. I have been a guardian for too long, the world I once knew is different for sure."

She seems to be reminiscing. Note to self the spider is old. I can already hear the sound of H-artists screaming legal!

[What about the power of the factions out there?]

"There are countless. The good thing is that I doubt many have the actual power to pose a threat to us."

[Because of Yggdrasil?]

"Exactly"

[How is the strength of an individual classified here?]

That will be a decisive exposition moment!

"There is no such thing. As if there was something that convenient. All powers are different."

Never mind. My disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined.

"There are weak people, there are strong ones and even stronger ones. Classifying it all would be impossible. Well, you can try if you want."

[Alright I understand.]

"Haha, I'm just messing with you. You can usually know the strength of someone by their mana quantity, quality, and control. Whether it be mages, body-enhancement warriors, or even obscure professions they all rely on mana. Still properly analyzing someone is close to impossible, so it's not reliable in a fight."

[So how would you classify it?]

"Beats me."

Is she playing me again?

"No, seriously. That's the part that is confusing. You can talk all you want, the best way to know is the feeling."

[Feeling?]

"It comes with experience, to be honest. You learn quickly who you can and can't fight."

[Or you die?]

"Exactly."

[Well, that IS straightforward.]

"Anything else?"

If I am to protect this place...

[I want to know more about this forest. About its inhabitants and…]

"It would be pointless for me to tell you that. You should just see it for yourself. The bear can guide you."

She has a point. I guess this means the forest is relatively safe for me.

[What about the whole Yggdrasi's Pupil thing, what do you think of it?]

"I feel like you could become an asset here for sure."

[Last thing, did you ever hear the term transmigration?]

"Nope. Was that all you came here to do?"

[That was it. The dragon thing. Asking questions.]

"Oh? Are you sure you didn't come here for the view?"

[What view are you ….]

She is striking a seductive pose. Shaking her upper body slightly. My eyes can't help but follow the pendulum movement of her…. She is definitely teasing me. For some reason, I just can't take my eyes away.

"Psst Bear, what is happening right now?"

"This bear thinks that this is some sort of mating ritual, but not sure really. My specialty is really hiding and…"

[We know! This is all you do!]

Oh, that broke the charm. Somehow my brain figured out that telling the bear off took precedence. Better run before I succumb to the temptation. Not that I can really since I'm dickless. Yep, that is a huge pain.

[Later!]

She giggles as we leave. It's been only a second since we left that my companions become talkative again.

"Teacher what should we do now?"

"Find a forge!"

[I mean right now I feel like getting a sense of our current environment is the better plan. Only afterward should I try to understand the rest of the world.]

"Ah! I know teacher! Why don't you start by visiting my new base?"

[Sounds good. I'm following.]

It takes us a while, but at some point, we reach a river. Strangely there is no fish at all in it. The water is crystal clear. The flow is quick.

[What are we doing here?]

"Haha, just watch teacher! You will be extremely surprised!"

We are trekking upstream until finally. Appears a waterfall. Don't tell me.

"Teacher this is going to be amazing you will see!"

[A base behind a waterfall!]

"What?! How did you know teacher?!"

*Sigh* How could I not.

[Have you named this place yet?]

"Ah, I was waiting for you teacher."

[Let's call it the Bearcave!]

Since this secret lair contains not a bat but a bear.

"This name is so cool!"

"Wait, you are telling this hammer that you have a base hidden behind there? How ingenious is that! Wait, how did you guess it, partner?"

Should I answer that?

"Obviously because teacher is wise! We cannot fathom the incredible knowledge he possesses!"

We head in. Surprisingly it is very well made. Actually no, as expected. At first glance, there is only a stone wall there. Even touching it doesn't reveal anything at all. Then he presses on a few points with his claws. That reminds me of the phone unlock patterns. Moments later a panel slides open to reveal an entrance. How the hell did he do that?!

"How did you do that?!"

Nice assist from the hammer.

"Haha, this is a formation magic me and the tiger developed together. He wanted a way to run away so he has been working on secret exits for a long time. I just made it all more discreet."

[This is awesome! Keep it up!]

The interior is somewhat spacious. The big bear can easily be standing and he won't even touch the ceiling.

"It's me, tiger! You can come out!"

No sound at all. There doesn't seem to be anyone here.

"That's weird, he was here when I left."

[Are you there, tiger?]

*Dash*

"Teacher you are back! Finally! I have missed your wisdom so much! From now on this tiger will not leave your side!"

[What?! Why?!]

"To directly learn from you teacher!"

His eyes are glowing. Would anyone ever be able to deny such cute puppy eyes? Yes, for sure.

[Hell no!]

Denied! Haha.

But seriously, why did he not come out when the bear called for him?

Do I want to hear the explanation?