YGGDRASIL's potion were made using skills that were available to specific job classes and enchanting ingredients with spells. Ainz had knowledge about this, but he heard it was created from a specific material and alchemic liquid. He had never heard about using herbs…
This meant that potion creation in this world was different from YGGDRASIL. When Nfirea said 'it couldn't be made through normal means', this was probably the reason.
Ainz believed that if he could harness skills techniques related to the potions of this world, it would strengthen Nazarick. The only question was how.
As he was deep in thought, the topic once again returned to the job at hand and Ainz listened carefully.
"There is an large, open clearing in the forest; I plan to set that area as our target. I already told Lukeluther-san about that place, so please lead the way."
After hearing Lukeluther reply 'Leave it to me', Nfirea returned his gaze to everyone.
"Let's start the harvesting—"
"— I’d like to make a suggestion."
"Please enlighten us, Momon-san."
"Since Narberal can use a spell similar to the 「Alarm」 spell used back in the camp, could we split up temporarily after reaching the destination?"
Everyone including Nfirea frowned. They felt uneasy about the strongest combatant leaving in the middle of the most dangerous area.. Nfirea composed himself and replied:
"That's fine, but please don't take too long."
"Of course. To avoid getting lost in the forest, I will leave a trail of rope. Just pull it if anything happens."
"Should I come along? I need to watch out to make sure you don’t do anything weird with Nabel-chan."
"Die you lower life form (Aphid). Is there only lust in your brain? Can you even move if that is gone?"
"… Enough Nabel. Lukeluther-san, that won't be necessary. Ninya-san, is there any magic that allows us to locate each other if we get separated in the forest? It would be convenient if there is."
"I have never heard of such a spell. Such a spell would indeed be convenient."
After hearing Ninya's negative reply, Ainz nodded.
Among the magic of the 6th tier, there is a spell that allows you to locate specific objects. Does he lack the knowledge, or does YGGDRASIL have spells that do not exist in this world?
Leaving this question aside, Ainz gestured at Nabel with his chin, signaling her to get ready. Nabel received the order and watched the Sword of Darkness members closely:
"Momon-san and Nabel-san are leaving for a moment; they will start harvesting when they return."
Since the client decided this, no one protested. All the members of the Sword of Darkness agreed and nodded.
After concluding the final check, Nfirea gave the cue to set off in a loud voice.
The ground where the trees were cut down by the villagers had dried up. The woodland was easy to traverse, but the scenery in front of them gradually changed into a green maze.
The forest didn’t have any landmarks, to the point where one was unable to tell which direction they were heading. It created a feeling of helpless anxiety, an uneasiness that stemmed from having nothing to rely on. The trees covering the sky reinforced that effect and normal people would be afraid. But due to the mental strength of an undead, Ainz wouldn't feel any fear apart from his own lingering human emotions, calmly watching the grandiose scene of nature in awe.
In YGGDRASIL, Forests and other natural zones were nothing but the game world's sceneries — this kind of thought appeared in his heart.
Ainz, who was proud of the Great Tomb of Nazarick’s design felt conflicted; he didn't realise that a natural forest could be so amazing.
I understand why Blue Planet-san likes nature so much…
As he watched the surroundings of the forest for signs of monsters, he noted that it was really quiet. Apart from the cawing of far-away birds, Ainz couldn't sense any living creatures.
He could see the back of the ranger Lukeluther, who used all his senses as he cautiously advanced. Lukeluther seemed to think there weren't any living beings hiding out there.
Actually, someone is hiding behind us.
Ainz was proud of the person approaching them unnoticed from the back.
The group — except for Ainz and Narberal — were quietly moving in the sunlight while feeling extremely tense. The forest was surprisingly cool, but due to the uneven ground and the psychological pressure, the group was sweating buckets.
They finally reached an open space with a width of fifty meters.
"This will be our base. Let's pick the plants with here as the center."
Upon hearing Nfirea's words and seeing him put down his bags, everyone else followed suit but didn't let down their guard, prepared for any emergency as they watched their surroundings.
This was no longer the world of men.
"Let's move as we planned."
After acknowledging Nfirea, Ainz tied a rope on a nearby tree and entered the forest as he left the trail of rope behind him.
The rope was thin and strong, it wouldn't break easily because of friction against the ground. Ainz and Nabel did their best to move in a straight line into the forest.
Normally, it was impossible to move in a straight line through the forest as your path would be blocked by trees. But with the rope as a guide, the two who were inexperienced in forest navigation were able to advance in a straight line.
Their backs were covered by trees, so there was no danger of being spied on. Someone who could detect anyone who was following them was nearby, so there was no need to worry.
"This place should do."
"Yes."
"Let us discuss how to raise my fame."
"… May I ask what your plans are? Find plenty of the herbs they are after?"
Ainz silently looked at Narberal and shook his head:
"I intend to fight the Virtuous King of the Forest."
Ainz continued to explain to the baffled Narberaclass="underline"
"Our goal is to display our strength in a clear and simple way."
"… Didn't we showed them plenty during the fight against the ogres?"
"… You are right, but monsters like goblins and ogres aren't enough. If they tell about my exploits back in the city, saying that I defeated the Virtuous King of the Forest is on a whole different level than cleaving an ogre in half in terms of fame. That's why we need to put on a good performance."
"I see! As expected of Ainz-sama! A flawless plan! But how would we find that Virtuous King of the Forest?"
"I already planned for that."
Narberal was about to enquire further, but was interrupted by the voice of a third party:
"Yes— That's why I’m here."
The sudden sound made Narberal turn and look with sharp eyes. She extended her right hand and prepared to fire her spell at the target, but after recognising the owner of the voice, she regained her composed expression:
"Aura-sama! Please don't scare me like that."
"Sorry."
Appearing from behind the trees was a smiling dark elf girl.
One of the sixth floor twin guardians of the Grand Tomb of Nazarick, Aura Bella Fiora.
"When did you arrive?"
"Hmmm? I was following you since you and Ainz-sama entered the forest.”
Aura was a beast tamer cum ranger, tracking in the forest was a piece of cake for her. Lukeluther might be a ranger as well, but the difference in their skills were too vast for him to detect Aura.