Preparations for another hunt

As we give up on the bear and finish breakfast, we depart on a journey to my next trial, I think...
I really do appreciate them taking me into account in the voting. Even if I did not like having to actually state my vote, but why can't they give me some information on what they're expecting from me?

I suppose my feelings were written on my face, as Thomas takes out a piece of paper from under the seat, as he points at the piece of paper while saying, "We're currently here"
This is what those travelling merchants who visited our village called a map?
I've never seen this place on their maps, though. There's so much water!
He can see the confusion on my face and starts explaining:

"You've probably not used a map before. This small portion is called Shikoku, the four human kingdoms. To our west, there's an island inhabited by eight types of elves, each in their own part of the island called Kyushu. There used to be one more tribe, the dark elves. According to historians, they are the reason we have our anti-magic laws. They got exiled and landed on our territory, claiming parts as their own, which was troubling for the people who already lived there. A war broke out, and the elves were defeated, yet some exiled elves remained and were prosecuted based on their long ears, and more importantly, their incredible magical ability."

You're telling me some elves that came across the ocean are the reason I'm not allowed to be a magician?! If I find those dark elves, I'll make sure they have a very dark time ahead of them!

"There are also orcs on the big island to the north and east of our island. The orcs are known mostly for their ferocity, tall stature and green skin tone. To the east of the Orcs, Master craftsmen, called dwarves are found. As tall as their magnificent cities might be, an adult dwarf is about as tall as a twelve year old. North of the biggest island lies yet another island, but not a single human explorer who decided to make landfall there has ever returned."

He's losing me with all these weird descriptions of other people on distant islands. I'll just remember I don't like dark elves.

"Back to our journey, this southern island is where all of humanity lives, and we are all the way near the east coast. Our destination is here.
He points towards the middle of this island.
"The capital of the empire, Lion's Tree. The journey will take us quite a long time, though. Considering we only move around thirty to forty kilometres every day we are on the road, on flat terrain. On the way there, we will take out some more magic beasts, and we have to go around some mountains first, then follow the river into the mountain range, where we climb the mountain road towards the capital."

"And what about my second or third trial?"

"You've already undergone two trials, we'll tell you what the future holds after the next. I'll quickly give you a rundown of my notes so far.
In the first trial, you showed you weren't just a hot-headed idiot; you made it clear you had very good senses for when something approaches you. Or as August called it, you were being a coward for instantly surrendering."

"You mean taking me with you from my home was a trial?"

"Not one we usually take, but we were mostly expecting to get an idea of your combat prowess there, instead you showed us your character, perception and risk assessment."
He frowns a little as he continues.
"During the second trial, you showed a lot of strength, persistence, and you improvised very well. Though that risk assessment from the first trial may have been a fluke, and your ability to fight in a group was not very evident to assess, as you were already out of the fight after running off by yourself to a location we were unable to support you. Although I do take part of the blame on myself, as I did tell you to hunt them as you usually would, which is by yourself."

He takes out a waterskin and takes a sip before continuing.
"For the third trial, we already know the target. A local samurai reported an electric boar, slowly moving closer to a village. About 50 kilometres from the frozen village, is where it's reported."

I can clearly hear it from the tone of his voice, he's still dismayed about how we left things there, but I don't think he wants to talk about it anymore than we already have.

"It's mostly within the general direction we're going, so we'll take it out with the excuse of testing you... I mean, you get to show us how well you fight in a team, as one of your trials. The expected strength of the boar is class four."

I think he may have just slipped up and told me the real reason we're after this thing, but I'll just pretend I didn't hear that part.
"I'll try to make sure you don't regret giving me this opportunity to reflect and grow as a warrior."

"Feel free to leave all that stiff talk, I don't mind if you talk to us more casually. You do not exactly seem too used to it either."

Was it really that obvious that I never talk to people like this? Or did I slip up yesterday?
Either way, it seems I can drop it, although a certain August probably doesn't mind if I keep talking formally to him.
"Yes, sir... Will do, Thomas."

Yep, I can feel a glare from the other side of the carriage. I'll just ignore it. That's better for the both of us, I think.

As a force of habit, I take out my encyclopedia again and start looking for a boar with a lightning bolt next to it. After only a few pages, I find it. Halfway filled vitality, one third of the way for melee strength, and the magic power is relatively low, only about a quarter of the way. Well... relatively low compared to something like that crazy bear they fought without my help.

Leo interrupts me while looking at the picture of the boar.
"Reminds me, kid, how come a kid like you has a book like that, as well as being able to read it?"

"I-I can't read, but I didn't steal this! Some travelling merchant gave it to me when I asked him for directions to a fire wolf, said he heard about a kid with a sickle being the one who saved his relatives' village while he wasn't around."

"Once we make it to the capital, you will be taught how to read basic things, you won't be able read the difficult words, but you'll realise the true power of information that book holds when you can read most of it.
That is, if you do well enough during the third trial"