Chapter 16

The next day is upon us and we head out, the girls are all on my spider rear end.
It fits right but I don't know if they will hold on if I really go fast, we go back to where we fought the big dire wolf pack.
They are not there of course.
The head of the leader was put in the dimensional bag after I passed out so that's safe.
Rogue surveys the area from above on a tree but find nothing dangerous though there are more spots without trees.
'that could be creatures clearing the area for their territory or just their trail of destruction' says the rogue as she comes back down.
'let's not go to those places then, getting into fights for no reason when we already have our quests completed' says the healer.
'sure but we need to get stronger and this is how'
'how will fighting them make us stronger? the 3 of us aren't warriors and it won't improve our skills'
'fighting in a life and death situation will make us stronger, that's the only way to improve now, we already tried the common ways and we can't go farther, you know that'
healer sighs a bit 'I know but'

They have all stagnated in their growth, the elf it seems is the same way even with her powerful magic shots.
What could be done about this? I mean there is no way but keep on training right?
Healing, rogue work and magic archery, they will take time to grow quickly normally.
In game and novel terms you can get stronger through rituals and sacrifices but that will set us to be targetted which I want to avoid.
Another way is items and equipment which is too expensive to get right now or they are already taken.
We can go search for the materials ourselves but high level ones will be dangerous.
There's nothing to do but keep practicing their skills for now as we keep marching onwards.

As we head on we see the mountain range coming closer into view, we decided to stop there and head back when we reach it.
We are not equiped for that and it's too dangerous to go high up.
Many adventurers have died on it and some never seen again, no one knows what kind of monsters are up at the higher parts of the mountain.
‘they say the greatest of sages and monks go on top of those mountains to train , what better place to meditate and train your mind and spirit’ says the healer.

The rogue chimes in, ‘I heard that all the creatures up at the highest peaks are all S rank, not even heroes can defeat them in that environment.’
I want to go check it out but I know I would just die so that will have to be saved for later.

We are nearing the edge of the forested area and have not encountered many creatures.

They are good at avoiding others, we really do need sensing skills.

Another member added would be good, maybe 2.

Of course they must be girls, I don’t want a guy in the party other than me.
Another animal like me? might also be good but it would take away my appeal right?

What am I saying, it’s like I’m a mascot, just think about those later on.

For now I need to focus here, my new bigger body is causing issues of easily being discovered.

Even with stealth skills it’s not enough since it’s in the day and I can be seen clearly.
Only the stupid and fearless show up in front of me now which isn't alot, I am still hungry.
Finally after a whole day of walking we encounter something, adventurers.

Another group is up ahead, a party of 5 with warriors, mages and a healer.

'those are C ranks, they've reached the end of the area too, they should be heading back or they could be in trouble' says the rogue scouting them out.
And like she said the party turns around and leave, we stay hidden and they pass by.
'why did we hide?' says the healer.
'I don't want any trouble or rumors though that will be impossible now that the spider got bigger, if only we had illusion magic or something'.
'he's not that big so it's not big a problem, we should also be heading back right'?
'I guess' says rogue while looking conflicted.
The elf speaks up 'we decided to stay longer to improve ourselves but nothing will happen at this rate, we need to do something, that's what you're thinking right?'
Seems she was spot on and everyone is in thought.
'we need to fight something strong afterall or let's just go up the mountain range'
'I'd rather not fight but going up the mountain will be so tiring too' says the healer as she sighs.
'we'll ride on tara then, a quick run through the common path already laid out'
That path has been smoothed out throughout the years of adventurers coming here, it makes the area safer as it was already laid out.
The others give in to rogue's persistence and we start, they strap themselves tighter onto me but that's not nearly enough especially since my legs are blade like and you can't strap on normal thing like rope or strings.
You need more specific gear for that but it will do for now.