Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Deadly Poison Forest

"Parrot Commander, here is today's report: the six of us have successfully arrived at the Royal Academy, met with the mission commissioner, Professor Luke, the Vice Principal, and set a departure date for tomorrow. We are temporarily staying in the academy's guest dormitory. End of report!" As evening fell, Kevin dutifully gave his report to the parrot.

The parrot was silent for a moment. "Give me some water. Flying long distances is exhausting."

Obediently, Kevin handed it half a cup of water. The parrot lowered its head, but its beak was too large and the cup too small—it couldn't reach the water. After two failed attempts, it looked up at Kevin.

Kevin understood. He picked up a small stone from the ground and dropped it into the cup, causing the water level to rise so the parrot could drink.

"You've dirtied the water—how am I supposed to drink that?" the parrot squawked, flapping its wings. "Why don't you drink it yourself?"

Embarrassed, Kevin quickly poured out the dirty water and refilled the cup with fresh. He wondered, was this not how the fable his father told him as a child went?

The parrot shot him an indignant glance, drank a bit, then flew away.

Professor Luke, the Vice Principal, was delighted to learn they had come to assist with the mission. He led them to the dormitory and provided dinner. The lodgings were quite basic—just a single bed, a desk, and two chairs, little else. But at least everyone had their own room, no need to endure someone else's snoring or be woken by another's tossing and turning, nor any midnight emergency roll calls. Everyone felt fortunate.

The afternoon was uneventful. The Vice Principal announced they could stroll around campus, essentially a casual tour. Yet, clad in military uniforms, they stood out in this school teeming with experts—their status was conspicuously low. Worse, they lacked any rank; it was obvious they were new recruits. Even a bird could scold them in the barracks. After a walk around, those from noble families felt somewhat disgruntled.

Kevin, however, was untroubled. The academy was in session, and he couldn't exactly loiter outside classrooms—after all, as a kingdom soldier, he represented the military. There was nothing particularly noteworthy. The library and training grounds were only open to students or faculty; the only places accessible to them were the cafeteria and the garden.

Kevin wandered the garden, stumbling upon a couple locked in a passionate kiss. The pair looked startled to see him. "Has campus security changed uniforms?" "Please, don't tell our teacher!"

Kevin said nothing, turned, and left.

The couple called after him gratefully, "Thank you, security uncle." "He looks so young though." "Maybe... security brother?"

Back in the dorm, Kevin, as temporary captain, checked on his team. Gray was asleep again, suffering from severe sleep deprivation. Start lay on his bed, staring into space—he had no trouble sleeping, but with nothing to do, he tried to nap.

Kevin opened the door to find Sain, only to discover the three were engaged in a pillow fight.

When Kevin entered, they slowly lowered their pillows, eyeing him mischievously. Kevin cleared his throat, "Get some rest. This field expedition might last a while."

"Yes, Captain," Sain replied with a cold laugh.

Kevin said no more and left. He heard the pillow fight resume and could only muse that barrack life was indeed dull—one must find ways to pass the time.

The night passed. Kevin led his team, properly attired, to the academy gate to await departure. Soon, the Professor arrived with three students.

"Good morning, Professor," Kevin greeted. "Only three students this time?"

Luke smiled, "The others are unwell. Just the four of us this time."

Kevin and his team examined the students. Each carried a huge rucksack, wore close-fitting leather armor, and had daggers strapped to their ankles. Their sturdy arms suggested they were experienced in wilderness survival—not helpless scholars.

The Professor, meanwhile, was elderly and empty-handed—the only one without gear. Rumor had it Luke possessed no combat ability; his age made venturing into dangerous terrain all the more impressive.

As Kevin and his companions sized up their charges, the students did the same. The previous mercenary escort had fifteen guards; now only six new recruits had been sent. It was hardly reassuring.

"Is it you in charge now?" Luke asked Kevin.

"Yes."

"You... have no other officers with you?" Luke was surprised. He knew military protocol: new recruits were usually led by their superior. He had meant to ask yesterday, but refrained; now, with no officer present, he had to inquire.

"Our commanding officer—" Kevin began, when suddenly the parrot swooped down, landing on his shoulder. "—has arrived."

The Professor was not surprised. "Ah, a military parrot. The army must be breeding them in numbers."

The parrot ignored him. "The officer has ordered your mission to continue. You must follow Kevin's instructions. If his orders are unreasonable, report to me!"

"Yes, sir!" they replied instinctively, drawing curious glances from passersby. Faces flushed, they felt like spectacles.

"Let us depart," Luke said, raising his hand. The group of ten finally set out toward their destination.

On the way, Kevin once more asked about the mission details. It matched what Miss Locke had told him: the main goal was to study gorilla ecology, expected to take three or four days, camping in the forest throughout. Bathing was out of the question; if the environment were more hospitable, the task would not have been delayed for three months.

The three students were all commoners; Luke's noble pupils had refused to accompany him. The Professor sighed at this, lamenting that most commoners lacked the necessary intellect. Even if the experiment succeeded, its findings would be shared, so the absence of nobles was not a great loss.

Professor Luke specialized in biology, including the cultivation and training of parrots to enhance their intelligence, even enabling them to converse with humans—a joint project completed three years ago, now implemented in the military.

As for his incidental discovery related to male physiology, it was but a research by-product. Sadly, many lauded this accidental breakthrough, neglecting his other contributions. Thus, being called the "Father of Impotence" always soured his mood.

The ten reached the edge of the Venomous Forest. Without delay, they began applying ointment—a fragrant paste sold at the mercenary guild. It could help ward off insect bites, though in places like the Venomous Forest, it was little more than psychological comfort.

The Venomous Forest lay in a southern basin of the country. It was perpetually damp and stifling, with dense vegetation blocking sunlight, leaving the ground in perpetual gloom. The humidity fostered a strong smell of decay—one could sense the stench before even entering.

The Professor explained this was the birthplace of countless insects—over half the nation's insect species could be found here. Despite the ointment, he advised everyone to wear thicker clothing to limit skin exposure, though the heat made this uncomfortable.

The ten wrapped their faces and hands in cloth, leaving only their eyes exposed. Within moments, sweat beaded on their skin. The relentless drone of insects filled their ears.

The parrot, however, was unbothered—birds, with their thick feathers, rarely feared insects.

"We'll first find a suitable campsite," the Professor announced. "There aren't many large animals here, but watch for snakes!" He led the way, prodding ahead with a branch. Strange calls echoed through the woods, heightening their anxiety.

"Vice Principal, what's that sound?" Kevin asked.

"It's the cries of a monkey troop," the Professor replied. "Each troop has a sentinel; if it spots danger, it warns the others. Sometimes, monkeys deliberately sound false alarms to drive others away and steal their food—we've seen that too."

"Oh," Kevin nodded. "Monkeys can deceive?"

"Monkeys are highly intelligent animals..." The Professor's lecture began in earnest. The three students perked up, despite the harsh environment, pulling out notebooks and recording every word, pens scratching away.

"Watch out for snakes!" the Professor suddenly shouted, swinging his branch at a green snake, which swiftly fled.

The three students scribbled: "Watch out for snakes!"

Sain, observing, chuckled, "You three are such bookworms."

The trio paid no heed, diligently jotting notes. Kevin sighed—life was not easy for commoner students. If all they wanted was a field report, they need not come in person. Their real motive was likely to glean daily guidance from the Professor, even if much of it was trivial.

"Professor," Kevin suggested, "rather than seeking a specific campsite, we could string ropes between trees and make simple hammock beds."

"Good idea," the Professor smiled, "but I'm too old for sleeping high up. Let's find a rock; I know this area from visiting three months ago."

Kevin deferred to the commissioner's wishes. After a short walk, the Professor paused and examined a tree. "Something isn't right—there are blood stains!"

At his words, the mood grew tense; everyone gathered around the trunk. Indeed, a dark red fingerprint was visible, apparently days old, but clearly human. The rough bark made it hard to discern more.

"Professor," Kevin scanned the surroundings, "what does a human bloodstain here signify?"

The Professor fell silent, then declared, "It means someone bled here."

Kevin was speechless, yet the three students dutifully recorded his words.

"Enough," the Professor chuckled, "don't overthink it. It's normal to see blood in the wild. Let's press on."

Nothing unusual occurred as they continued. The Professor, familiar with the terrain, led them to a large rock, where sunlight streamed through a gap in the canopy, forming a dry patch. Nearby were some whittled sticks and wood chips—evidence of previous visitors.

"We stayed here three months ago," the Professor said. "Let's set up camp."

The three students immediately began pitching tents, with the Professor helping as best he could. Kevin and the team erected six tents around them, sheltering the Professor in the center. Kevin called the team together, assigning night watch shifts. Everything proceeded smoothly, with no objections.

By dusk, camp was ready. They ate a simple meal, the Professor consulted his map and planned tomorrow's route. Night fell quickly in the Venomous Forest; everyone retired to rest, with Sain on first watch.

The new recruits had never stood guard before. This was their first time, and in the wild, they dared not slack off, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

Fortunately, the night passed without incident. At dawn, the Professor roused everyone and led them to the observation point.

They dug shallow pits, lay down, and covered themselves, leaving only their eyes exposed, fixed on a clearing ahead. The Professor hung a prepared drawing from a tree—a depiction of gorillas mating—hoping to incite interest from any passing gorilla.

A whole day passed. The forest returned to darkness; no gorillas appeared. Another night followed. By now, hunger gnawed at them, pushing their bodies to the limit. Many doubted if gorillas even inhabited this forest.

But the Professor assured them there were footprints and signs of gorilla activity—he urged them to persevere. They nibbled biscuits and reminded one another not to faint.

Kevin considered asking the parrot to patrol the area, but the bird refused, claiming it was too dangerous—there might be creatures that preyed on parrots. It was safer with people.

At last, on the third morning, tremors signaled the approach of something large—more than one animal. Anxiety surged among them.