Chapter 95: The Monster Hunting Festival Begins
The day of the Monster Hunting Festival had arrived, blessed with clear skies and perfect hunting weather. The venue chosen for the event was a vast plain located to the east of the Royal Capital, known as the Subnock Plain. This area was infamous within the kingdom as one of the major hotspots for monster activity.
As a direct territory of the Royal Family, the plain was situated not far from the capital itself. In the past, there had been several attempts to cultivate the land for agriculture, but each time, the pioneering groups had been decimated by the monsters that claimed the central part of the plain as their territory—the Subnock. As long as one did not intrude upon their territory, the Subnock posed no danger, which is why the outskirts of the plain were left alone, with monster culling taking place there.
“Listen up, everyone. This year’s Monster Hunting Festival will be conducted within the designated areas that were distributed beforehand. Please do not venture too far into the depths of the plain,” an instructor warned the lined-up students at the entrance.
Approximately two hundred students stood in formation, primarily from the Magic Department and the Department of Knights, with a few from the Department of Clergy. Participation was voluntary, so there were fewer first-year students present. The majority were third-years, likely hoping to secure better job offers by showcasing their skills during the event.
Notable figures from the nation were also in attendance as guests. Within a large tent set up a short distance from the lined-up students were the Court Mage Director, responsible for national defense, and the Knight Commander. If any of the participants performed exceptionally well, they would likely catch the attention of these two important figures. In some years, the King or the Crown Prince would attend, but this year, they were absent. The presence of the Second Prince, Andrew, ensured that the royal family was represented; after all, should an accident occur resulting in the loss of two royals, it would shake the very foundation of the kingdom.
“Especially if you venture too deep into the plain, you may encounter the Subnock and its minions. Please do not take unnecessary risks. If things get dangerous, launch the distress signals that have been distributed to everyone. Rescue teams will be dispatched immediately. Every year during the Monster Hunting Festival, there are fatalities and serious injuries. Please remain vigilant,” the instructor concluded.
With the briefing over, the Monster Hunting Festival commenced. Participants split into groups of three to five and entered the plain.
“Alright then… let’s get to work,” Andrew, the Student Council President, clapped his hands to gather the Executive Committee members.
The members of the Student Council, including Rest, were stationed at an operations tent set up a little distance away from the participants.
“Committee members, please begin your tasks behind the scenes. The Executive Committee will maintain close communication with the instructors and be on standby to assist any distressed participants. Even though the Monster Hunting Festival is a voluntary event based on personal responsibility… I ask you to do your utmost to ensure no one loses their life!”
“““““Yes!”””””
“Good, let’s go. I wish you all the best of luck!”
At Andrew’s command, Rest and the others sprang into action. Rest turned to Viola and Primula, raising his hand to wave goodbye.
“Well then, you two. I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah, do your best, Rest!”
“Please don’t overdo it… be careful.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll come back safe and sound. I’m off!”
Viola and Primula were working behind the scenes as committee members, while Rest was part of the Executive Committee, assigned to the rescue staff. The rescue teams operated in squads of five, so of course, he had teammates.
“Alright, first-year. This way,” called the team leader, a senior from the Executive Committee.
The leader was Jack Yugroot, a second-year student from the Department of Knights. He was tall and somewhat slender, with a decent appearance marred by a rather menacing glare.
“Let me introduce myself… I’ll be leading Team E, I’m Yugroot, a second-year from the Department of Knights,” he stated.
Jack Yugroot was ranked third among second-year students and was known as a spear master. Despite being only in his second year, he was already considered a strong candidate for the Royal Guard Knights.
Gathered under Yugroot’s command were four first-year students: Rest from the Magic Department, Daniya and another from the Department of Knights, and a student from the Department of Clergy.
“Let me make this clear… my orders on the field are absolute. The word ‘No’ is not an option, so keep that in mind!”
“Understood,” Rest replied.
“Tch…”
Rest nodded obediently, while Daniya wore a disgruntled expression. He felt like telling his senior to be a bit more amiable since they were from the same department.
“If you have complaints, you can wait here. In the Knight Corps, the orders of superiors are everything. I’m the captain for this operation, so I won’t take along any soldiers who can’t follow orders.”
“…I’ll follow. I have no complaints,” Daniya reluctantly raised his hands in surrender.
“If you have no complaints, let’s get moving. Our assigned area is around the entrance of the plain. It’s relatively safe, but remember, there’s no such thing as absolute safety in battle. Stay alert!”
Even though they were part of the Executive Committee, Rest and his teammates were still first-year students, assigned to a relatively safe area.
“Alright, let’s go. We’re off!”
Following Yugroot’s instructions, Rest and the others entered the plain. Even as rescue staff, they knew that monsters would attack as soon as they entered their territory. They pressed forward, ready to confront any monsters that dared to challenge them.