Our Dharma Masters are like this.

Chapter 131 I come first

Lena walked to the front of the line and gave a loud high five.

"Everyone, prick up your ears and listen carefully!"

She placed her hands on her hips, her fiery red eyes sweeping across the faces of each mage like those of a hawk.

"I hope you will pay attention to one thing: from the moment you step into this forest, you are no longer pampered students in the guild, nor are you anyone's young master or young lady."

"You all have only one identity—adventurers!"

“I know that this is the first time many of you have left the warm and comfortable town, and the first time you have seen a real monster. You may be scared and nervous, but you must understand one thing.”

"Magic isn't a show you put on in the arena. There are no protective magic circles here, and Marvin won't be there to clean up your messes!"

"If a fireball misses, it won't just leave a black mark on the wall; it could hit a teammate in the back! If the team isn't positioned carefully enough, they could get their throats torn open by the monster's claws!"

"So, everyone, pay close attention!"

Lena's words were like a bucket of ice water poured over her head.

The expressions of the mages who were visiting the Graywood Forest for the first time all became much more solemn.

"very good."

Seeing that the desired effect had been achieved, Lena nodded in satisfaction.

But Zellier couldn't quite empathize with those words.

After all, I've never had that mindset of being born into a high position...

I'm just a worthless person anyway, how can I get ahead if I don't fight for it?

Even before he was a magic apprentice, he had already joined forces with his team to kill the juvenile Mist Demon.

However, considering Lant's previous performance, Zellir felt relieved.

After Lena finished speaking, Manlin took a step forward, her gentle gaze sweeping over everyone.

"I hope everyone will keep Lena's words in mind, but there's no need to be too nervous."

Manlin's voice was gentle and serene, possessing a calming power.

"Fear is a human instinct, and there's nothing shameful about it. Accept it, and then overcome it. That's one of the purposes of our trip."

Manlin raised her hand and pointed to the depths of the forest.

"This graywood forest, and the Hengduan Mountains in the distance, are both the lair of monsters and a vast treasure trove."

"Here, you will not only learn combat experience that you can never get from books, but you will also discover many precious magical materials."

“A single Sunflower growing on a cliff could be worth several hundred gold coins.”

"The magic core contained within a high-level demon is also a necessary material for crafting a magic wand. Danger is always accompanied by opportunity."

"So go ahead and do it, experience real combat. Like I said before—experience the pain to the fullest, because that will be the most profound mark of your growth."

Manlin's words were quite inspiring.

"And I will be here to make sure that each of you carries this mark and returns home safely."

The tense atmosphere that had just been created by Lena's reprimand has eased a little.

Everyone responded in unison.

"Yes!"

"Let's start preparing."

With a command from Instructor Lena, the atmosphere shifted from pre-battle tension to orderly busyness.

Everyone unloaded their bags and supplies from the carriage.

Because there are quite a few people, each person only needs to carry a small portion, so the load is not too heavy.

"Leyton, Zellier."

While everyone was busy, Lena called the captains of the third and fourth squads over and handed them two maps.

Zellier took the map, and the moment he unfolded it, he finally understood why there had been so few requests from the Adventurers' Guild lately.

Because all of them are reserved for this monster hunt.

This map shows the route for the next few days in great detail.

Moreover, all the monster communities along the way were clearly marked, covering almost all known threats on the outskirts of the Graywood Forest.

Of course, these marked monster lairs will not appear as quests at the Adventurers' Guild.

If you think about it that way...
The Adventurers' Guild really sacrificed a lot for this.

"The route has been planned out for you, just follow it."

Lena's voice pulled Zellier back from his thoughts.

"Furthermore, I would like to clarify that this monster hunt will adopt a rotation mechanism."

"The escort team participating in the battle will be grouped with a mage squad and will lead the way at the front, responsible for clearing out the monsters."

"The remaining mage squad will observe and learn from a safe distance in the rear."

"The mage squad will rotate after each battle."

"This way, everyone will have the opportunity to practice, and you will also have enough time to rest and reflect."

"As for me, Instructor Manlin, and the other two senior adventurers, we will be watching over you from the rear. Just pretend we don't exist."

"In addition, the monsters killed in this hunt will be paid out according to the general bounty amount offered by the Adventurers' Guild after the hunt ends."

Lena looked at the two of them. "Do you understand?"

“Understood.” Zellier and Layton nodded together.

"So, Zellir, Layton, which squad of yours will go first?"

Lena glanced at the two of them, her gaze mocking.

"I can give you a little spoiler. The team that performs better in this hunt will receive a special mystery prize prepared by the mentor."

Layton seemed hesitant throughout, even when he heard about the prize.

Zellier then spoke directly. "The fourth squad will go first."

"it is good!"

Lena clapped her hands in satisfaction, "Good spirits, then your fourth squad will go first."

The team quickly got ready and prepared to enter the forest.

Zellier's fourth squad and the escort members who participated in the battle were at the forefront.

Then the third squad, led by Layton, was in the middle.

Finally, Lena, Manlin, Hank, and Isis brought up the rear.

The entire formation formed a distinct, spindle-shaped array.

“Give the order, Zellir, you’re the captain now,” Gray chuckled.

"Um"

Zellir unfolded the map and examined it carefully, and the others also gathered around.

"Let me see. On the map, the first monster horde to be eliminated is..."

Zellier's finger traced across the map, stopping at an area marked with a red cross.

"Ah, old friend."

Goblin community.

It's not very challenging, but that's fine, consider it a warm-up.

Zellier looked up and surveyed the crowd, then began assigning tasks.

"Rivaya, go ahead and scout ahead. Report back immediately if any unexpected situations arise."

“Marcus is the team’s first line of defense, and Gray is responsible for supporting him.”

"Vale, you can take your positions as you see fit, just stay behind Marcus for protection, and so will you all."

Zellier looked at Bev, Yani, and Lant.

"Stay close to me, and always be alert and pay attention to your surroundings."

"When the battle breaks out, I will not ask you to join the fight immediately. Protecting yourselves is the first priority, and then we will decide based on the situation."

"If you have the opportunity, you can try to provide support by casting some control or magic remotely, but remember to pay attention to the coordination between your teammates."

Zellier looked at Lant, "Remember your bad example last time? Don't make the same mistake again."

"Understood." Lant, who had been called out, shrank back.

Bev and Annie both nodded seriously.

Throughout the process, Yanni cooperated fully and did not express any objections.

After all, they were in the dangerous wilderness, and she knew what was important and put aside any personal grudges.

At least during the adventure, the captain's words carry absolute authority.

"Then, let's go!" Zellier waved his hand.

The fourth squad, along with the escort team, formed a combat group and entered the forest first.

Then, the third squad followed behind.

Seeing Zellir's series of skillful arrangements, Lena chuckled softly.

"You have a lot of experience."

"I was right before, I don't praise people randomly." Manlin smiled gently.

After the third squad entered the forest, Hank, the tower shield vanguard, and Isis, the dual-swordswoman, also followed suit.

The two men moved forward, one on the left and one on the right, covering a larger flank area, protecting the mage ahead.

Finally, Lena and Manlin slowly strolled after them.

Greywood Forest.

Autumn is high and fresh.

If you disregard the hidden dangers around you, this is actually very pleasant weather, perfect for a picnic.

Bev walked behind Zellier, her gaze unconsciously drifting towards his back.

Compared to the relaxed and carefree time when the two of them gathered herbs together last time, Zellir was clearly much more serious this time.

Nighting held the wand in his hand at all times, the sharp protrusion at the tip occasionally reflecting a cold, icy light.

Furthermore, Bev noticed that the sword Zellir was wearing on his left hip had also been replaced with a new one, which looked heavier.

It's reassuring to have Zellir around.

The deep and tranquil atmosphere of the forest made Yanni, who was entering such an environment for the first time, a little scared.

She instinctively moved closer to Bev, gripping Bev's robe sleeve tightly.

Bev, having been to the Graywood Forest with Zellier before, had some experience and thus appeared calmer than Yani.

"By the way, I'm a little curious."

Zellier turned to Gray beside him and asked, "How are your payments calculated?"
"All equipment wear and tear is covered, as are all daily expenses. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the daily reward is three gold coins."

Gray grinned smugly. "Thanks to you, Zellir."

Three gold coins a day.
Zellier seemed to be deep in thought.

It would take at least ten days to go to and from the Hengduan Mountains.
That's about thirty gold coins in my pocket, quite a profit!

And you don't have to worry about your safety, no wonder so many adventurers are eager to join the team.

I wish I could have three gold coins a day.
The goblin camp marked on the map wasn't very far away. After walking in the forest for about two hours, we could already see some signs of goblin activity in the surrounding environment.

Small, messy footprints began to appear on the ground, there were scratches on the surrounding tree bark, and even the air was filled with a faint, foul odor.

(End of this chapter)