Chapter 395 (1/2)

Chapter 395: Deep down inside the Winter Forest

Translator: TransN Editor: TransN

Leaf passed through the branches and foliage looking for Lightning and Maggie.

In actuality, she was not exactly passing through them, but moving just her vision—her body was integrated into the thick forest.

It was an amazing feeling. She felt like a bird, except a bird would fall to the ground if it wasn’t flapping its wings, whereas she wouldn’t. As long as she maintained this form, she could cross from one end of the Fusion Forest to the other instantly. Of course, compared to the entire Misty Forest, the range that Leaf could cover now was just a drop in the ocean.

Ever since her ability had evolved, she had longed to experience the Misty Forest to the west of the town. If she could control this vast forest it would be of great help to His Highness, whether it was fighting against demonic beasts or collecting goods and materials. There wasn’t much she could do for His Highness in return. Apart from improving crops, this was the only thing she could do, so she wanted to be good at it.

Compared to the castle’s back garden, this was a real forest. Its complexity was far greater than the ecosphere of the castle’s olive trees and grape vines and beyond comparison. There were numerous creatures hiding beneath every inch of earth. Looking down along the roots of plants she could sense dormant animals, squirming insects, and decaying remains, along with tiny babbling streams.

To prevent losing herself, Leaf expanded her territory with great caution—starting from the city wall on the west, extending little by little each day. Once she completely adapted to an environment, she would then try to control a new plot of forest land.

At this rate, she could cover the entire Misty Forest within two or three years.

Shortly after, Leaf found two people hunting in the forest. If she had been walking in the snow instead of flying above the treetops, she would have noticed them sooner.

“I found some prey,” said Leaf, shaking the branches.

“Ah!” Lightning patted her chest after a shudder. “You scared me!”

“Coo, coo!” Maggie nodded repeatedly.

“Sorry.” Leaf revealed herself through a tree trunk, just like a twig growing out of the branches. “Is this better?”

“Well, at least I’m not talking to a ghost.” Lightning landed quietly. “You can appear anywhere in the forest at will?”

She nodded. “As long as it falls in the territory that’s under my control.”

Maggie landed right on Leaf’s back, walked a few steps back and forth, and even pecked where her body and the trunk joined. “You’ve even grown into a tree, coo!”

Feeling her back tickling, Leaf couldn’t help laughing. “Because this is my ability,” said she.

“It feels a little weird, coo.”

“How can you call someone else weird? You’ve turned yourself into a giant demon bird.” Lightning rolled her eyes and looked at Leaf. “Where’s the prey?”

“Follow me,” she said, turning her head.

Leaf couldn’t sustain a human form while moving, instead she made vines grow up from the ground to lead Lightning and Maggie on the way.

“What kind of prey?” Lightning asked.

“A big boar that ran out of the depths of the forest,” she replied. “Do you really want to catch it yourself? I can just tie it up with grape vines and throw it at the foot of the city wall.”

“Of course. Explorers seek more than just results.” The little girl raised her head. “The process is sometimes more memorable than the outcome.”

“I’m good as long as there’s meat to eat, coo!”