Chapter 19: The Ghost Forest and Hidden Opportunities

The Ghost Forest—a forest located not in Miston City, but in another city called Langston City. Compared to the Thousand Tree Forest, the number of magical beasts in this forest might be fewer, but that didn't make it any less dangerous.

The environment of the Ghost Forest was perpetually shrouded in fog. Not only did the fog impede vision, but it also emitted a bone-chilling coldness that would make even low-tier mages tremble if they stayed inside for too long.

Due to the fog and the chilling atmosphere, the forest had earned its name, the Ghost Forest, from the people living near it.

What shocked me the most was that Sarah managed to secure tickets for us to train there. In a continent governed by humans, where resources were limited, all mythical places were controlled by the central government. Normal mages couldn't simply enter these places without proper authorization.

Furthermore, depending on the location, the difficulty of entry varied. For example, in the case of the Thousand Tree Forest, which only housed ordinary magical beasts and scarce rare resources, people could enter by paying an entrance fee.

However, the Ghost Forest was different. Though smaller in size compared to the Thousand Tree Forest, it possessed a wealth of rare resources. Its unique environment made it an ideal place for ice mages to practice and improve their skills.

From the stories I had heard, the government only produced 500 entrance tickets for the Ghost Forest each year. Considering the number of mages in existence, this was an incredibly small figure.

I was shocked that Sarah had managed to obtain these tickets. It seemed that her family held significant influence, but the extent of their power remained unknown to me.

"It's great that you secured a place like this for our team's training, but don't you think it's a bit wasteful to use it for someone like me?" I questioned Sarah, aware that my inquiry might come across as having low self-esteem. However, it was a genuine concern. A place like the Ghost Forest was precious, especially for ice mages. Utilizing it for someone like me, who wasn't a mage, seemed somewhat extravagant. As a warrior, I could train anywhere and still progress as long as I had my body.

"I understand your thoughts, but it's okay. I chose this place not only because it benefits mages but also because it might hold an opportunity for you," Sarah responded.

"Opportunity?" Sarah's words confused me. What did she mean by an opportunity?

Observing my perplexed expression, Sarah wore a satisfied look, as if she had just won a victory against me. I ignored her expression, genuinely curious to hear what she had to say.

"Okay, listen carefully. You know how the Ghost Forest is filled with fog and that the longer people stay inside, the more pressure it puts on their bodies? Some tremble due to the coldness, while others find it difficult to move after a prolonged time," Sarah explained.

"Of course, that's common knowledge about the Ghost Forest," I replied.

"Well, there's another effect that makes the forest special," Sarah continued.

Another effect? What other effect could it possibly have? As far as I knew, apart from the known effects and resources, there wasn't anything else remarkable about it.

"Listen, normal people might not be aware of this, but for those in the upper echelons, it's not much of a secret," Sarah hinted.

"What is it?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Ghost Forest has the ability to strengthen one's physical body," Sarah revealed.

"Really?" I blurted out unconsciously, taken aback by Sarah's words. This revelation came as a surprise to me.

"Absolutely! It's the truth. Why would I lie to you? Besides, don't you find it peculiar that Ghost Forest has such strict entry control, even though there are many other similar places?" Sarah pointed out.

Indeed, when Sarah put it that way, it made sense. While the Ghost Forest was unique, it wasn't the only place of its kind. Yet, it faced stringent restrictions. So, that was the reason.

Reflecting on it, Sarah's explanation made perfect sense. Mages typically had weaker physical bodies, and a place that could compensate for that weakness was incredibly rare.

"What do you think? Aren't you excited? Even for someone like you, the chance to strengthen your body is a rare opportunity. Coupled with your fighting skills, you will fare well during the test!" Sarah exclaimed, her words resonating with truth.

Sarah's words were accurate. I felt a surge of excitement, but the significance was much greater than she had anticipated. A place like the Ghost Forest—for a warrior like me—was a heaven-sent training ground.