High School of Demon Hunting

Chapter 2660: Chapter 881: There Is a Reason for Silence

The deeper you go into the Silent Forest, the more lush the weeds become, and the denser the trees grow.

The dense forest not only obscures vision but also isolates sound. In other words, the deeper you go into the forest, the quieter the surroundings become; if it’s daytime, even the light dims as you go deeper into the forest.

This kind of environment is very dangerous.

Because in such silence, any being making a sound exposes its location, immediately attracting countless covetous eyes hiding in the darkness. If the creature making the sound is weak, in the next moment, it will pay with its life for its carelessness.

In this world, making your voice heard comes at a price.

Therefore, silence is the optimal choice for most.

There is a rationale for silence.

Of course, this rationale does not apply to the employees of the First University — on the whole of Buji Island, the First University is the ultimate rationale; the forest must remain silent before the school, but the school can speak loudly within the forest.

This is also why, even knowing this was a secret mission, Hilda still appeared somewhat absent-minded, even daring to chatter on, giving Zheng Qing a ’lesson’ during the battle formation.

Until he got docked points again.

Only then did the Silent Forest finally fall into true silence.

On the night of the Qingming Festival, the yin energy was exceptionally heavy.

By the time the assistant corps reached their destination that night, the moon was already at its zenith. The faint blue incantation light, like wisps of mist, flowed slowly between the five assistants, sketching the blurred outline of a Ji water leopard. The moonlight fell, coating it with a pearl-like glaze, making it look from a distance like a ghostly figure about to dissipate.

”Halt!”

At the forefront of the battle formation, the wizard wearing the Yi character mask gently tapped his mask, transmitting this message to everyone in the team.

Zheng Qing trudged his robe, struggling to pass through a thicket of tangled brambles, following Hilda, and peered behind the shrubs.

The once dense forest abruptly opened up before his eyes.

Like a bald spot on a giant’s head, a small clearing appeared abruptly and hideously in this beautiful world. A low, fierce aura fence isolated the clearing from the forest, and in the center of the camp, a blazing bonfire burned fiercely, emitting a peculiar fragrance that dispersed in all directions.

Almost as soon as Zheng Qing smelled this fragrance, his ears caught a warning-like whinny and a series of somewhat frenzied barks.

”Who’s there!”

A sharp shout rang out, and a Wind Blade, wrapped in dazzling firelight, came straight toward the intruders like a meteor, instantly illuminating a large swath of the dark world.

”I’ll go say hello, you two patrol the surroundings. No need to go too far, just make sure nothing uninvited disturbs us here... As for you two, just stay here, don’t move around freely.”

The wizard wearing the Alpha mask quickly and softly instructed.

The first command was directed at the Yi and Bing masks, who previously held the roles of scout and patrol in the team, making it unsurprising that they took on the new task now.

The latter command was directed at Zheng Qing and Hilda.

The four responded one after another.

Hilda might have been slightly disgruntled, but at such times, there was no sign of rebellion, sulking as she stayed with Zheng Qing.

After the instructions, the wizard wearing the Alpha mask turned toward the direction of the incoming Wind Blade, tidied his robes slightly, pinned a badge of the First University Assistant Corps on his chest, then walked straight out of the forest, his law book at his waist, hands outstretched as if to shake hands with an old friend:

”...First University Assistant Corps, visiting the Uteya Tribe.”

Only then did Zheng Qing learn the name of the centaur tribe they were meeting tonight.

With the wizard’s greeting, the entire camp suddenly boiled over like a pot of water. The rapid sound of hooves seemed to come from all directions, but eventually, the only thing appearing before everyone was a troop of centaur warriors galloping out from the center of the camp.

Zheng Qing noticed a few small hunting dogs trailing the side of this group of knights, their eyes fixed on the intruders lurking in the depth of the forest. Evidently, they had sharper senses than the centaurs.

The centaur warriors wore light leather armor, carrying bows and swords, their black manes rising in the firelight like burning flames. Even a small troop of knights exuded an unstoppable momentum. But upon reaching before the Alpha mask wizard, the entire team’s fierce momentum suddenly converged.

Like a rushing wave becoming a gently flowing stream.

They surrounded the guests, heading towards the center of the camp, leaving no centaur outside the fence, only the small dogs were left.

Zheng Qing looked at the dogs crouched behind the fence and those receding figures, finally unable to resist, poked Hilda’s arm, and asked softly: ”He’s going in alone... is it alright?”

The practicality class instructor gave him a rather resentful glance.

Before he could speak, another voice sounded in Zheng Qing’s ear.

”Among all the magical creatures in the Silent Forest, the centaurs should be the smartest type.” It was the wizard with the Yi character mask who spoke for Hilda, though the voice under the mask was disguised, mechanical and indifferent, making it hard to discern his tone: ”...This is why we chose to visit them tonight. So, don’t worry about the captain’s safety.”

Zheng Qing responded with some restraint.

Not knowing the true identity under the mask always made him feel like he was facing a stranger.

”Let’s move too.” The Yi mask turned to look at another companion, nodded slightly, and the next moment, the two turned into streaks of light, disappearing into the gloomy night.

Behind the fence, several dogs stood up alertly, tails hanging low, tensely watching where the magic power had flared just moments before, baring their teeth, seemingly ready to bark at any moment.

”Don’t talk to me!” Hilda glanced at the student who seemed about to speak and warned him in advance: ”I don’t want to finish the task and write a three-foot-long reflection report afterwards...”

Since he was willing to speak, it was easier to handle.

”It’s not just chatter, teacher, I’m saying, sending the Alpha in alone seems a bit against the rules?”

Zheng Qing looked around uneasily, as if feeling a bit ashamed for not trusting his teammates, but at this time he could not remain silent, some things he had to clarify now: ”I remember the Assistant Corps’ safety protocol mentioned that during tasks, random interactions with third parties are prohibited, and if there is a need for contact, the dual-person principle should be implemented...”