New Lessons

After strolling along for some time, I wonder how long it has been since we left.

Enuma answered my thoughts, "Umm… it has only been three hours."

Hearing that, I was a little dumbfounded and laughed. Oh. It had been about three hours.

I said, “And yet I can’t see any signs of people at all! Or rather, where are we!?”

I reported our situation, “Somehow, I can’t see lights or anything, I’m just getting further into the woods. You want me to stay outside today? In that case, shouldn’t I have rested in the meadows still?”

Enuma said, "There was nothing around there. Neither water, nor anything that could prevent hunger."

I sigh, and say, “Well, then. I can’t sleep in bed today or have a warm meal either.”

Enuma replied. "Hey, look here boy. For a penniless runaway you sure expect a lot?" 

Me and Enuma, who started our journey from the expanding meadows, were now wandering in the forest at the foot of a mountain somewhere. As far as the eye can see, every direction is surrounded by deep forests. As we proceed, there is no village, not one hut, let alone the city.

My legs are tired, my stomach is growling, my throat is dry, I haven’t taken a bath, I have no bed. Until now, without asking for anything, I can get everything without any inconvenience,

The realization that I was spoiled and had no problem getting anything I wanted to hit me, “… Damn it."

Enuma commented, "Hey, has your spirit broken so soon?"

I reply, “Oh, no. Not really.”

Enuma smirked, "Well, this also is an experience I believe. Exactly, I doubt the recent Academy students have learned how to camp."

I can see how well off I have been living in the Imperial City, by getting out of the environment I was so comfortable in until now. I am lamenting the circumstance, that I just ran off and no one could find me.

However, even if they would not acknowledge me, if I stayed in the Imperial City at least I would never starve or die. Yet, since I abandoned it, I have to do everything on my own from now on. As soon as I started my journey, I realized that.

Enuma said, "Anyway, think of this is an opportunity to hone yourself, so do not go through the forest carelessly, rather walk through the forest while considering all you have experienced. As you stay here, you shall gain self-sufficiency and follow the rules of the strong."

I ask in a sarcastic tone, "What does that mean…”

Enuma said with contempt, "In other words, you have to secure food and bed for yourself."

Secure a bed. Well, for some reason or another, I’ve resigned to camping outside.

I was unable to save face, so I asked, “Well, I mean any examples.”

Enuma cited, "Yes, finding mushrooms and edible plants, hunting beasts. catching fish."

Like a true spoiled brat, I ask, “A-Are you serious!? C-Can’t we find a steak shop!?”

Enuma derided, "Such is life, now on your feet!!"

I replied, “How to put it, though I’m not a hunter, I must hunt beasts, I’m not a fisherman, but I must fish." 

Enuma smirked, "Moreover, you are your parents’ spoiled brat."

I couldn’t help but be horrified by Enuma’s words, that is too much for survival. Enuma’s expression of contempt seems to mock me, and being called a brat really stuck it to my heart.

Enuma went into lecture mode, "Will you think of the future? As I said earlier, in the forest, no the entire outside world. It is strong that eats the weak. Do not forget, it is also possible you will be hunted by ferocious beasts and such."

I gasp silently as my throat was too dry to croak. 

Enuma continued, "That is why you must be hearty in order to move on. Before our goals, we must first acquire the strength and knowledge to survive living alone."

With that said, when I glanced down, I noticed a large mushroom growing at the base of a tree and crouched down. “Wow! All right, so if I find something like this, I can eat it.”

Enuma smirked, "Well, such bravery can discipline the mind, By the way, it is a poisonous mushroom called Giggling Mushroom."

I was left speechless.

Enuma then said, "If consumed, dizziness, chills and neurological symptoms, and in some cases mental disorders such as visual and auditory hallucinations."

I replied, “Hold on, that’s too dangerous!? I had no idea,”

Dangerous. If my hunger had reached the limit, I might have casually eaten this mushroom. With poisons being commonplace in the forest, acquiring food is a challenge.

Enuma speaking so freely is a new side of him. "Hmm. Well, do not worry. I shall inform you of survival in the forest. In times past, I would occasionally take a break in-between political affairs by going on a solo camp vacation."

Everything really is so easy for this guy. But why solo camp? By any chance, did he not have any friends. 

Enuma confidently said, "In any case, we shall see what can be eaten and what cannot. So learn all you can."

I still was desperate, I said, “If possible, I want to eat meat.”

Wow, Enuma’s expression was priceless. He just stared full of mockery at a little ant. I’m sorry. It’s what stimulates me the most.

Enuma switch gears, said, "Well, anyway, as long as you’re in the forest, depending on the location, there are beasts and monsters. If you fight and win, you eat. You will need to learn that."

Blantly I say, “You’re serious”

Enuma smirked, "Do not worry. And, as I have mentioned, you are in a period of growth. Rather, protein is a necessary nutrient. So, I shall pass on a certain special technique."

I ask. “R-Really? What’s that?”

Enuma said, "It is not my invention. A charm to lure beasts that does not require magic."

A charm that lures beasts, that doesn’t need magic. I got worried, “Hey, you said beasts, if dangerous beasts show up-”

Enuma interrupted, "Do not worry. There were no signs of such danger in this forest. At least, no beast stronger than you, boy."

Saying that, Enuma stood at attention as if he was a soldier.  both feet pointing inward slightly.

Enuma shouted, "Dosse! Now, you do it!"

Confused I gasped, “Eh… W-What’s that?”

Enuma elaborated, "It is a song and dance of the certain demon tribe that lures beasts. They are specialist in hunting."

Enuma suddenly began to dance before my eyes, shouting out strange words.

I blurt out “Eh!? W-What’s that?”

Enuma scolded me, "Do not mock this? Capture the beasts that appear with this charm and dance!"

Sorry, it is difficult to resist laughing. I gained composure due to being used to this with ladders and speed reading, and I guess it’s true if Enuma says so.

Enuma this mocked me, "This is a matter of life or death! Take it seriously! Now, rhythmically raise your voice with the steps you trained on the ladder!"

Chuckling, I said, “Oh, oooh, is this it?”

Enuma continued, "Yes, hop rhythmically on both feet, bend your hips slightly, shout with both hands to beckon!"

The anticipation grew, but nothing came. I started breath heavy, “Hah~ haah~ haaaah~ I used up my stamina.”

Enuma mocked me more, "Dear me. The technique is simply beyond a spoiled brat."

I jeered him “Stop calling me a brat!”

I’ve been screaming the same words and dancing for a long time, but no beasts came out at all. Enuma insists that I don’t have the skill. I was tired, so I sat down there and complained.

Enuma replied, "This is not infeasible! An Ancient Forbidden Spell. There is something that can aid in communicating with animals and demonic beasts. Translation Magic: Subete no Gengo o Manabu"

I get joyful, “Seriously!? Then, if you teach me.”

Enuma replied, "However! It is too early for you. Best not to learn it yet."

I reply “Eh? Why?”

It’s too early for me to learn. It’s not that I can’t do it, but it’s better not to. I have no idea what that’s all about.

However, Enuma tells me so with a serious, stern face. "To understand all words. In a sense, that will lead to a change in one’s entire world view. Well, most who have learned this end up mentally ill. Best case scenario, you become a vegetarian."

Confused, I was so happy to hear there is magic to translate, but I don't understand.  “Well, seriously. What kind of side effect makes people ill?”

Saying that, Enuma thought a little "This is not so much a side effect. Well, learn a lot more. Then decide on whether or not the magic should be acquired after travelling the world a little."

He told me about it just to admonish me.