Chapter 155 - 154: The Return Journey
With the death of the Abyssal Evil Vine, the miasma that filled the entire valley began to slowly dissipate.
Looking up, you could already see the blue of the sky.
The withered vines crawling across the ground broke apart, inch by inch, turning to ash.
Even the filth on the rocks, corrupted to an ominous grayish-black, slowly faded away, restoring their natural color.
"Finally... it’s over."
Seeing the motionless Abyssal Evil Vine, Marvin breathed a sigh of relief.
Lena Manlin and the four Adventurers’ tense expressions relaxed.
The mission was a success!
"Hah... That was easier than I thought."
Yisi wiped the black sap from her blades, then sheathed her Dual Swords.
She had joined several expeditions to hunt Cruelty-rank Demons in the past.
But those were all extremely difficult battles, and they had lost quite a few people.
This battle, however, had been remarkably easy for her.
All she had to do was clear out the lesser threats on the flanks, without having to worry about the Abyssal Evil Vine’s core at all.
They had two powerful Mages as their main damage dealers on the front line, plus an Empowerment Mage who could manage the entire battlefield.
With a lineup like this, it was almost too easy.
When Instructor Marvin led the squad back to the outskirts of the valley, they were met with the students’ gazes of respect and even adoration.
"So amazing! Instructor Marvin!"
"Instructor Lena’s Flame Magic! I want to learn it too!"
They broke out in fervent praise.
"That was truly a breathtaking battle..."
Zelir remarked with sincere admiration.
He couldn’t help but be amazed. For others, the battle might have just been an eye-opener.
But for Zelir, witnessing this battle directly added ten more analysis tasks for his Technique Celestial Calculation.
Purification Aura, Praise of Life, Magic Harmony, Magma Pillar, Gravity Singularity, Blazing Flame Shield, Ring of Resistance, Fractal Fire, Flame Thunder Spear, and finally, Star Punishment!
It was a massive haul.
The Abyssal Evil Vine only yielded one type of loot: its Demon Core.
However, after being nourished by natural purifiers over a long period, this Demon Core contained immense Magic Power. It was a Wand Core for crafting high-level Empowerment Magic Wands, making it extremely valuable.
"Alright, you’ve now honed your skills and witnessed for yourselves what a truly powerful Demon is like."
Marvin announced in a clear voice.
"My dear students, this Monster Hunting trip is now officially over. I hope that in the days to come, you will continue to strive for improvement and not forget what you’ve learned on this journey!"
"Yes, sir!" everyone responded in unison.
"Now, everyone return to camp, pack your things, and prepare to go home!"
"Yes, sir!!" This time, the response was even louder.
...
Compared to the six days it took to get there, the return trip only took four.
The main group didn’t split up along the way, nor did they stop to clear out any more Demon Creature Communities. They merged into one and took the shortest path back to Black Stone Town.
When the edge of the Gray Wood Forest reappeared in their sights, everyone’s expressions, which had been somewhat weary from the long journey, became excited and cheerful.
"Look, we’re here!"
Someone among the students shouted.
Through the cover of the trees, the plains outside Black Stone Town were already visible.
Everyone quickened their pace. The moment they stepped out of the Gray Wood Forest, the whole world seemed to brighten.
They glanced back at the dark, deep forest behind them, then at the open plains before them, and an indescribable feeling of emotion welled up in their hearts.
The psychological pressure eased, and everyone wore a relaxed and happy smile.
On the plains outside the Gray Wood Forest, a large caravan of carriages was already waiting in neat rows.
They had arranged with Instructor Marvin long ago for the caravan to come and wait at this location after ten days.
Among the people who came to greet them was Chairman Hogan.
The moment he saw Instructor Marvin, he went up to him enthusiastically and gave him a hug.
"How was it, Marvin? Was the trip smooth?" Hogan asked eagerly.
"Very smooth. We didn’t run into any trouble."
"What about the matter of that Abyssal Evil Vine..."
"It’s been taken care of," Marvin said with a slight nod.
"As expected of you."
Hogan shook his head with emotion. "I’m just getting old. If I were still young, I definitely would have gone with you."
Marvin laughed heartily and clapped Hogan on the shoulder. It was as if the two of them were back in the days when they used to team up.
Lena had the students line up neatly.
"This Monster Hunting is over. The carriages will take you back to Black Stone Town shortly. Go home and get some good rest."
"Also, remember to go to the Mage’s Guild in two days. All the payment for this hunt will be settled then!"
"Yes, ma’am," the students responded.
’Two days... that’s about right.’
Zelir nodded slightly. After all, they had cleared out so many Demons along the way; calculating the payment would take some time.
Lena then turned to the other Adventurers.
"Your payment will also be distributed in two days. Just go to the Adventurer’s Association to collect it then. The reimbursement for equipment wear and tear will be included."
"Understood," Marcus and the others replied calmly.
"Ughhh..."
In the group, Gray gave an exaggerated stretch. "Finally... I can go back to my favorite tavern."
"You’re not going drinking today, are you?" Valles asked, somewhat surprised.
He was so tired right now that all he wanted was to go to bed and get a good night’s sleep.
"Of course!"
Gray’s eyebrows shot up. "I haven’t had a single drop of alcohol in so many days, my mouth is completely bland... Zelir, want to grab a couple of drinks to celebrate?"
"I’ll pass. You go on and enjoy yourself," Zelir said with a wave of his hand.
The physical exhaustion wasn’t too bad. The main thing was that he had been out in the wild for so long; he just wanted to rest up at the inn for a couple of days first.
Under Chairman Hogan’s arrangement, the grand procession of carriages drove towards Black Stone Town, its gates opened wide.
After saying goodbye to the members of the Fourth Squad on the carriage, Zelir got off on the street near the Night Flower Inn.
By now, the sky had completely darkened.
The town was filled with the comforting signs of civilization.
Whether it was the bluestone path underfoot or the clamor from the taverns and Minstrels on the street, it all made one feel relaxed in body and mind.
Pushing open the door to the Night Flower Inn, the aroma of food washed over him.
At the front desk, Aurora was listlessly wiping a wooden mug.
She heard the door and looked up, a formulaic greeting about to leave her lips.
"Good evening, welco— Ah!"
"Zelir!"
Aurora’s voice rose in happiness. "You’re finally back! I haven’t seen you in so long."
"Ah... I was out on a training expedition with the Mage’s Guild." Zelir was also quite happy to see Aurora again.
"I heard from the guests coming and going at the inn. It was called... some kind of hunt, right?"