Master Of None

The real islands which had once been mountain tops slowly came in to view for everyone. Walker and somewhat scouted ahead with Midnight, the pair hadn’t seen any other larger monsters which was to Midnight’s dismay. She had wanted to fight something since she had only been raining and helping the dragon hatchlings lately.

Regardless of her feelings toward not being able to fight, Midnight had managed to spot the first island which seemed to have some interesting plants.

”So, what’s ahead of us?” Gil knew he could have easily scouted ahead too since he could step through the air, but it would have just burned mana and was easier for Walker and Midnight to fly ahead instead.

”There are a few islands, the first two or three are mostly rocks but on the first there are some bushes growing round blue fruits, like blueberries but they have a fuzz on the outside. Might be worth exploring a little. I also assume we are starting to reach the point where the general mountain range will start to disappear.”

Everyone knew of the past history of what this area used to be according to the books found. Meaning that the mountain range that was now islands would slowly begin to lower in to what should be fields. Meaning that this would be the flatter, warmer saltwater they needed to explore for ruins.

It would be harder to track everything, but each ship had a small mapping room where the mapping orbs could be examined properly. This allowed for everyone to share a similar map that did not cause confusion.

In the past, maps had been out of date after a certain amount of time. Nowadays, the small mapping orbs were taking off since the adventurer’s guild was actively pursuing having more of their adventurous order small mapping orbs to map areas when they traveled. Therefore, even weather related changes to the terrain were easily tracked when they happened and the right adventurers responded.

It was a small effort now, but would lead to everything being clear for those traveling. The work being done now meant that the islands and even the landmarks underwater would be mapped out for everyone that came to this area later. It would only become more advanced once all the information from this entire expedition was melded together by the grand mapping hall in Genesis.

”I also saw a few avian monsters around the islands but they were smaller. Only one island looked like it was a nest. Midnight and I decided to avoid it since it wouldn’t be necessary to scare them away from their homes when we aren’t planning on doing anything there.”

Both of them understood that it was better to keep the natural order of things rather than go and cause chaos in the area. Not to mention that these monsters living there and being smaller in size meant that they would be prey monsters. They would be hunted by something but that island was a safe place.

It allowed for those with the knowledge to gauge where predators might hunt and why they might avoid that area. The information potential was more valuable than just hunting these birds and analyzing them.

”That’s good then, the tamers are looking for research areas.” Gil was mentioning the group of tamers who came and their interests. While they had come searching for more monsters that they could tame in this unexplored continent, they also wished to study the habits of those monsters or all monsters.

Specifically, a small group that worked in the tamer’s guild who didn’t tame monsters were known for living out in the wilderness entirely hidden. Simply so that they could study the natural habits of monsters in every way shape and form. It was why so many in depth documents about certain monsters existed and how some tamers could get the knowledge about how to take care of their partners no matter where they went.

”Where do you think we should start to explore the underwater sections?” when Su came up behind the three, she was mostly searching for what they could do before everyone began moving toward the land well ahead of them.

”According to the theoretical mapping, we have a cluster of islands up ahead. Maybe a full thirty small islands with a few larger islands. It should be the highest peak of what used to be mountains.” It sounded good in theory but that meant it would be a more dangerous area.

”We might need to stay behind for a few days then.” Su didn’t wish for anything to happen that they could have protected everyone from. If they moved on too quickly people could be left in danger.

”I understand, that’s why I am thinking of leaving behind one of the flying ships. It’s not the plan but they could handle the majority of the islands and overall guarding that way.” Increasing the number of guards around keeping watch was the best bet, especially if the party would be handling the main land exploration and guarding around where they were making a teleportation formation.

”I want to see the islands first though.” Hearing this from Remey made everyone understand exactly her thoughts.

These used to be mountain tops. The change over time as the continent partially became an underwater area with warmer salt water and controlled wind due to the area allowed for there to be a massive change in how any plant would develop. The herbs that once were growing an absolute mountain top cold and surrounded by air were now right next to the water and having to handle open sun more often with the beating of waves or salty wind.

This change could alter the mana affinity or make unique crossbreeds of herbs that had various effects in terms of potions or basic medicine. It would also mean that they might have beneficial and negative effects that needed to be focused on when creating a potion or medicine.

For Remey, this was an opportunity to bring back immensely valuable knowledge to all of the herbalists who were working on altering the state of herbs in their growth. Many of the greenhouses were being used to study why and how herbs developed certain traits. Seeing herbs that had changed so radically and managed to survive would be invaluable.

There was also the potential that some herbs might have been left in dormant seed form, trapped in rocks or whatever place on the islands. This wasn’t uncommon since many herbs only sprouted under very specific environments. Specifically, mountain top herbs would need to have whatever was on their mountain top. Without it, they could sit dormant for years and years.

”Yes we have to stop and make sure that the anchoring point is safe. We can search the islands. They should only be about three or four hours away from us now.” Walker no more than said that as he saw some of the last parts of the giant saltwater crocodile being brought on board the ships. They were about to start moving again.

”Some of the healers want to venture with teams on to the islands. They don’t want to remain steady.” It wasn’t surprising that Alice was asking this. The healers were trying to become better, too so it made sense that they would be willing to go in to dangerous places to achieve the growth they needed.

Some had seen what truly dangerous battlefields were like. They had seen attacks by the sin title holders or they had seen the army of undead. They had also seen the risk of those who enslaved their own people. They wanted to make sure that even in horrible places like that they could be there to save someone’s life.

”I assumed they would. So they should. Su?” Walker looked at Su, who had spoken with the split forces of defensive guards. She gave a nod proving that they already knew that their jobs would be to keep a monster’s attention away from mages or healers who would be their salvation no matter what injury they might face.

”Then we are more than ready. Midnight and I will head to the larger island… Remey, Midnight, and I will head to the larger island and wait there while giving it a look.” Walker had just wanted to head out quickly but the way that Remey glared at him told him if he didn’t bring her he would regret it.

Then again, it was better to have her since she would get more specific information using her talents that his all around appraisal. The herbs that they might find could be more valuable than he realized since he was not as well versed in what the herbalists and alchemists were working on right this moment.

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