Just as the dwarf had said, the exit path lay right behind the volcano. Honestly, I could hardly believe it. I mean, who in their right mind would place a trail directly behind a mountain that spews lava like it’s its favorite hobby?

  Oh, heavens. Or maybe you see it differently? Even the most clueless would admit that the backside of a volcano isn’t exactly the most logical spot for a pathway.

  But against all odds, here I am, breathing fresh air. I’m certain that if I’d stayed in that cave a few more hours, anxiety would’ve strangled me with its icy hands.

  And—not to sound pessimistic—I have a nagging suspicion I’ve just stepped into one of the least beloved places among explorers.

  “Things just keep getting worse,” I muttered.

  At first glance, this place seems peaceful… and in a way, it is. But the calm is deceptive. Like a kindly old man who’s actually a pickpocket expert.

  I remember when I was just a brat, my teacher brought me to this very forest and ordered me to cross it without getting lost. Yeah, I know—impossible, right? Put yourself in my shoes: a kid who could barely string two sentences together, already expected to survive in a hostile environment. What kind of teacher does that? Mine, obviously.

  And yet, I never imagined I’d stumble into the “Dark Forest” right after leaving the cave. I suppose that means I’m near the dwarven realm… I’d better not be wrong, though. Wandering this place would be a headache.

  I started walking aimlessly until something caught my eye: a trail leading deeper into the woods. According to my memory, that path wasn’t here before—or if it was, someone had hidden it with flawless magic.

  You might wonder what’s so special about this forest, aside from its obvious gloom and ominous vibe. Well, let me enlighten you. This place is treacherous—not because of illusions or cheap tricks. Here, getting lost is easy. Too easy. The mana density is so high it presses down like a suffocating weight, as if the forest itself wants to crush you. For the unlucky souls unaccustomed to this intensity, nausea and dizziness are unavoidable.

  Luckily, I’m used to it. My body handles it without much trouble. Perks of being blessed, I guess. Though part of it is also thanks to my teacher’s brutal training.

  As I walked, I noticed bugs skittering and tiny fairies flitting through the forest shadows. The sight brought back an old memory… one where I walked alongside Eleanor and the others.

  Where are they now?

  The last time I saw them was before the clash with Astaroth. After that… Well, I suppose the rest goes without saying.

  As I kept walking, the sound of insects reached my ears with surgical precision—like a dart hitting the bullseye. Maybe the absurd number of bugs in this forest is due to the mana density. Honestly, if I were a bug, I’d live here too, soaking up enough mystical energy to grow stronger.

  Well done, random critters! You know how to pick a prime habitat.

  So far, nothing noteworthy had appeared, so I’ll spare you the tedious details of my surroundings.

  “Agh!” I grunted after colliding with… air?

  I blinked. Looked around. Nothing.

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  …What the hell?

  I rubbed my forehead, trying to soothe the sting. The worst part? It wasn’t even a hard impact, but it burned like I’d been whacked with an enchanted hammer. Am I this weakened? Damn, this is infuriating. A frail body is useless.

  Out of sheer curiosity, I reached out and touched the air where I’d felt the collision. My finger sank into nothingness, as if dipping into an invisible sludge pool. The sensation sent a chill down my spine, and I yanked my hand back on instinct.

  Then, something strange happened.

  The space shattered.

  Like an invisible mirror cracking, fractures spread in all directions. The gaps widened, and shards began to splinter off and crash to the ground.

  Behind the rupture… was something that hadn’t been there a second ago. A new space, a new realm. And within it—

  “Elves?”

  Yep. Everywhere I looked, elves filled the scene.

  …Okay. What the hell just happened?

  One moment, I was walking down an unfamiliar trail with zero signs of a hidden alternate dimension. The next, a whole damn elven village materialized out of thin air.

  It was obvious this reality split had been triggered by magic. But the weirdest part? I hadn’t sensed any mana buildup nearby. Everything around me was the forest’s raw, untamed mana.

  But, minor details aside…

  I’d finally found an intelligent, sane race. Finally, beings I could reason with! So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll calmly stroll into their hideout.

  …Or so I thought.

  The moment I took a step toward the elves’ mysterious dimension, guards materialized out of nowhere, spears aimed at my throat.

  “…”

  Alright.

  Let’s forget what I said about “intelligent and sane,” okay?

  Why are they pointing weapons at me? I haven’t done anything wrong. At least, not that I recall.

  To make things worse, the rift behind me began sealing shut, cutting off my escape.

  …For fuck’s sake. It just keeps getting worse.

  “Identify yourself!” boomed the voice of what appeared to be the guard leader.

  His deep, authoritative tone sent a slight chill down my spine, but I steadied myself. Now’s not the time to tremble like a scared rabbit.

  Instinctively, I raised my hands in surrender, as if to say, Hey, I’m harmless! Though, thinking about it… Am I? Sure, I might look threatening, but deep down, I’m a good guy.

  The guard wanted me to identify myself.

  …But what was I supposed to say?

  If I thought about it, revealing my real name wasn’t the brightest idea. The dwarf who helped me mentioned something about the “races of the Kings” and that I should aid them. He also said few knew of my existence… But if I analyzed this carefully, there was a high chance the King might recognize who I am.

  And if he did… he might capture me. Or worse, destroy me.

  No, no, no! Enough fatalism. Think positive, damn it.

  Either way, I didn’t want to risk an audience with anyone. Though, now that I thought about it… Why the hell are there even “Kings” in the first place?

  “Did you not hear me?! Identify yourself. Now!”

  My musings were cut short by the guard’s impatient roar. I couldn’t stall any longer.

  Time to improvise.

  “Nico. Nico Kaiser.”

  It was the first name that popped into my head. Not original? I know! But come on—you think I have time to brainstorm cool aliases right now?

  “Very well, ‘Nico Kaiser’,” the guard repeated, dripping with skepticism.

  …Yeah, I don’t like that tone one bit.

  “How did you find this place?”

  Oh, I thought he’d ask, “Seriously? That’s your name?” Because let’s face it—“Nico” doesn’t sound like a real name. But fine, I’d have to mix some truth in.

  “I was walking through the forest when the air suddenly cracked, and I stumbled into this place. By the way… mind telling me where I am?”

  “You don’t get to ask questions during an interrogation.”

  …Oh, come on, seriously?

  “First, we must verify you’re not a threat to the kingdom,” the guard continued.

  Pff. What absurd logic. I don’t even know where I’m standing, and already I’m treated like a criminal.

  “Where are you from?”

  “A cave. I’m an explorer, so I was—”

  “I know what an explorer is.”

  Then why ask?

  “Are you armed?”

  “No.”

  I lied shamelessly. Of course I’m armed, but what—you want me to parade my weapons for you?

  The guard stared at me in silence for a few seconds. Then he raised his hand, and the others lowered their spears.

  “Hmm… We’ll let you stay. However, if you cause trouble, you’ll be jailed.”

  That’s it?

  Not that I’m complaining, but I expected more resistance. Still, look on the bright side: no arrest, no stabbing, and all my limbs intact.

  The guards gave me a curt nod before marching off.

  …Well, that was easy.

  I’d even say the tide’s turning in my favor. Don’t you think?