Chapter 11: 11. Making Plans For The Farmlands.
His movements became smoother and his reactions became quicker as well.
He was slowly adapting to the new skill he had acquired and Diana became increasingly impressed by what she was seeing. It also increased her desire to see just how much Aaron had improved as a result of their sessions.
She aimed her next attack at his side, but Aaron ducked and countered, with his blade slashing the air mere inches away from her.
Diana instantly stepped back to create some distance between the two of them, and then she lowered her sword, indicating the end of today's session. "That was impressive, but it's still not good enough."
Despite what Diana said, Aaron was pleased with how close he had been to landing a hit on her, so he replied with a grin. "I'll take it."
Diana smiled back, but it was only for a fleeting moment, after which she immediately left the room, leaving Aaron and his Glimmerfox alone in the room.
Since their session had ended, Aaron decided to take a break in the courtyard and Glimmer trotted beside him. He arrived at his desired spot and sat beneath a large oak tree, allowing the cool breeze to soothe his aching muscles.
Glimmer curled up at his feet and her golden eyes watched him intently as Aaron began to formulate a plan to retake the farmlands.
That evening, Aaron gathered Luna, Diana, and Aurora in the dining hall to discuss what he had in mind.
"The farmlands," Aaron began as he spread the map across the table. "We need to reclaim it."
When Aaron said this, the ladies exchanged glances with a surprised look on their faces.
Meanwhile, Diana crossed her arms and frowned. "You barely survived while sparring with me, and now you want to fight demonic beasts in the open?"
"I'm not going alone," Aaron replied firmly before turning towards Glimmer.
Glimmer noticed him looking in her direction and she puffed out her tiny little chest in preparation for whatever Aaron had in mind for them. He smiled and shifted his gaze back to the girls. "Glimmer and I will be heading there together, and I'm not asking for volunteers; I just wanted you all to know that without those farmlands, the town won't last another month, and we need food."
Luna frowned and asked. "But isn't it dangerous?"
"Yes, it is," Aaron admitted. "But it's necessary for our survival," he said before turning towards Aurora. "Your Highness, how many potions do we have left?"
Aurora was the only mage in the barony with healing attributes, and she was also the only one who could make high-quality potions, hence why he directed the question at her.
Of course, there were other potion brewers within the barony, but there was no one in El Dorado whose knowledge of herbs and potion brewing surpassed that of the elf princess. And this was why Aaron needed her to help him brew a potion or two.
One might wonder why Aaron needed potions, especially when he could easily heal Glimmer with the help of his bond energy points.
However, Aaron had noticed that the system didn't say anything about him being able to heal himself with the bond points as well, so he knew that he had to have a potion or two with him if he was going to face stronger demonic beasts.
Meanwhile, Aurora, who had been quiet until now, looked up and replied to the question he asked her. "There aren't many potions left. We only have about three, maybe four potions left, but if you're going to the farmlands, I'll need herbs to make more."
"Then, I guess I'll have to make a stop at the Dark Forest on my way there. It's a risk but it should give us what we need."
The Dark Forest bordered the capital town of El Dorado and the forest was known for its high density of mana.
Hunters previously used it for their hunting and it was well known amongst the potion brewers as the best spot to gather herbs, but now it was overrun by magical and demonic beasts just like every other location within the barony.
Diana studied him for a moment before nodding her head in agreement. "If you're serious about this, I'll come, but don't expect me to save you if you get in over your head."
"Noted," Aaron replied as he tried to suppress a grin. He had initially gathered them for the meeting with the hope of having her come along with him, so he was pleased to see that Diana had willingly agreed to join him.
Luna hesitated but finally spoke. "Big brother, I want to help too. I can… I can carry supplies or something."
Aaron shook his head and replied. "Not this time, Luna. I need you here to keep the townsfolk calm. They always listen to you."
Luna looked disappointed but she nodded in understanding. "Alright."
A few minutes later, they all came to an agreement and the meeting ended. Then they returned to their respective rooms.
Actually, everyone wanted to return to their rooms, but some couldn't, including Aurora. The elf princess was still seated on her chair as she tried to study the Baron's son in front of her.
"Why are you doing this?" She asked, but her question puzzled Aaron who was still looking at the map on the table.
"What do you mean?"
Aurora stood from her seat and pointed at the location of the dark forest on the map. "The Dark Forest is dangerous and is known for the magical beasts that roam the land there. Moreover, there are reports on how dangerous the magical beasts in that forest have been in recent weeks, so why would you willingly risk your life to go into that forest?"
"I've heard about how dangerous the forest is but we don't have a choice."
"And that's why I want to know the reason why you are doing this. Are you trying to prove anything to anyone? Because I'm sure you know that if you fail, both you and Diana will be killed."
Aaron turned towards the dining room entrance and he could see Luna peeping a few distance away as she tried to listen in on what Aaron and Aurora were saying. His lips widened into a smile and he finally realized why he was so interested in reclaiming the farmlands.
It was all to ensure the safety of his little sister and to make sure she grew up in an environment where she wouldn't live in constant fear.