The Ereck Forest (1)

It had been almost over 3 years that Ryosuke had arrived in this world and Lucas was glad that Ryosuke had become more than familiar with this world's customs and etiquettes. Although they would not help much in the battle, it would at least help him in his years in academy.

In a month or so, Ryosuke would be joining as a student in the academy which meant that the novel or the record that Lucas had read would finally come alive. As far as Lucas could remember, the academy arc, at the start of the novel, where Ryosuke would have wider knowledge and skills for his profession as a hero and gained some trustable friends in there.

'Ah, our little hero is going to have his first day at school.' Somehow, Lucas had a complicated feeling of happiness and pity at the same time.

It was true that Ryosuke was going to have more friends and enjoy more of the outside world of this kingdom. But at the same time, he was getting near to his interactions with demons and battles.

"Lucas!"

As Ryosuke signaled immediately, Lucas was brought back from his thoughts and restored Ryosuke's mana which took only a few seconds.

'Right, I am in the middle of training with Brook! Let's leave those thoughts for later.'

Lucas knew how stupid it was to be distracted during the training. Currently his position was supporting Ryosuke by replenishing his stamina and mana, and also healed some minor injuries such as scratches as Brook prefered to use the real swords and he didn't hesitate to inflict some small injuries on Ryosuke, giving him more pressure and feel of real battles.

And that didn't mean Lucas was freed from Brook's harsh training. Apart from focusing on healing, Lucas also had to pay attention to his surroundings because of Brook's habit of sudden attacks towards Lucas. So, his right hand was always on ready with his sword while his left hand was used for aiming the magic toward Ryosuke.

"Be prepared, teacher!"

With his fully recovered mana, Ryosuke enhanced his arm strength, at the same time his legs in order to make faster movement. And he had already chanted the wind magic, doubling up his speed which made him almost invisible as he laid his full strength towards Brook.

'I am so proud of you, big brother Ryo!' Lucas grinned.

Lucas was also really satisfied with the recent improvements that Ryosuke had made. Within these three years, Ryosuke sword mana fusion was on par with some basic level knights which was really astonishing for average people. And with the addition of his other magic and Lucas's support, he was able to last some moments with Brook using his full strength.

Unfortunately, even with their strength combined, they still couldn't beat Brook but that didn't make Lucas depressed. Brook being one of the best experienced knights in the kingdom, being able to fight against him for some moments with only three years of training was already incredible.

The training ended when Brook knocked out Ryosuke's sword from his hand, making him to be defenseless and not being able to fight anymore. Actually, Ryosuke wanted to fight more but only to be scolded by Brook.

"You idiot, if you want to do more, let's do it without Lucas's support."

Only then, Ryosuke realized that he was relying too much on Lucas, again which made almost want to slap his own face.

'A kid like him is already able to replenish the full energy of someone like Ryosuke for thrice….' Brook thought while he still couldn't believe the improvement of those two as it was something unimaginable.

"I am sorry, Lucas! I did it again…." A guilty look was already on Ryosuke. Since they started training to pair up and fight against Brook, he felt really confident which made him strive forward more. Ryosuke reminded himself that he should be able to rely on himself more as he couldn't burden that little kid forever.

"I am ok! I feel fine."

Lucas really did feel fine. And he felt happy seeing that he was able to make improvements. But lately, as the time passed by Lucas was really worried, regarding Lucian's advice.

'Telling Ryosuke to prepare to be able to fight demon commanders within 5 years of time….. What did he mean by that?'

Five years meant that Ryosuke had already graduated from the academy if he was going to attend the academy as a sixth year student. So Lucas considered that Ryosuke first battle after school would have to fight either a demon commander or someone of similar rank.

Considering that, Lucas made sure Ryosuke was not slacking during these three years of training and he, himself, tended to push himself to the limit of his healing ability, hoping that he would be able to be near Ryosuke if something had happened. The probability was low though, as Lucas would still be in the first year of the academy and there was low chance of him being out of school, which made him to be anxious more.

'There is still two years left….. Will it be ok?'

Lucas heavily sighed from his own anxiety but that made Ryosuke to be in concern.

"Lucas, come sit here if you are tired!" Ryosuke dragged Lucas under a big tree and made him sit under its shadow.

"I said I am ok, brother Ryo…"

"Whatever it is, just relax there! We have already ended the training for today, right teacher?" Ryosuke asked Brook who just followed them behind without saying a word.

Lucas just followed Ryosuke's instruction as he leaned his back to the trunk of the tree, relaxing his mind.

'Yea, I shouldn't worry too much…. Ryo is the protagonist and he is able to last long till he defeats the demon lord….. It should be ok, right?' Lucas just reminded himself that nothing would come out of over worrying and he should just do his best whatever he could.

'But what if the record changes?' Lucas wanted to smack his head to the trunk as he cursed his restless mind.

"Ryosuke, we are going to have some practical training tomorrow."

Brook's words made both Lucas and Ryosuke's ears lift up like a rabbit.

"Aren't we always doing practical training, teacher?" Ryosuke was dumbfounded.

"This time we are going to hunt some real monsters."

"What!?" Both Ryosuke and Lucas exclaimed in surprise.

"You are not included, Lucas. You are too young for Ereck forest."

Lucas was 50% of thinking to give up but the name 'Ereck forest' caught his interest.

Ereck forest was the one where Ryosuke's future sword would come from. At first, the rusted sword was picked by some low ranked adventurer in the forest but later, it was given to Ryosuke who helped him in fighting some monsters, only to be found out by Ryosuke that the rusted sword was a precious artifact which could enhance double of one's stamina and mana. And the sword was able to change the shape according to its owner's preference and it was the weapon that Ryosuke in the record used for the longest time.

"Can I follow!? Please let me come with you guys!!" Lucas immediately requested. He needed to find the sword. His chance of finding it was low but no one could tell, right?

"No, I told you. You are too young…"

"Yea Lucas, I don't know what that forest is but it has monsters, right!? Just stay here when you can. Even I don't want to go..." For the first time in his life, Ryosuke agreed with Brook.

"I am young but I am not lacking skills! I can handle it! And there is even you and brother Ryo!"

"It is still a no."

"Please, teacher! I also want to go! I promise I will stick to you!"

"No. Why are you so enthusiastic to go!?"

"I also want to have some practical training! Pleaseeeeee!"

Lucas begged and begged like his life was on line. If Ryosuke had that sword, then he didn't need to worry about Lucian's warning, calculating how much improvements Ryosuke could still do in the two years of time at the academy.

After some attempts, Brook started to consider Lucas's request. Ereck forest was not that dangerous as it was near the territory of humans and most monsters that inhabit there were of lower levels, which were targeted by some low ranked hunters. Under his watch, even if he had to bring a group of kids, it was not dangerous.

And he wanted to see how Lucas would react in real situations. This child was too intelligent and amazing for someone of his age and he wondered if there were more things about this child which would amaze him.

"You can. But you have to promise me to follow each and every of my orders and also stay near me. If not, I will report this to Duke Cassius."

"Teacher!" Ryosuke exclaimed in anxiety, not understanding what his teacher was thinking.

"Thank you teacher Brook! I promise!"

"Be ready at 6 in the morning tomorrow."

Lucas bloomed in happiness, thinking how he could look for the sword under Brook's watch.

'Finding that sword will be able to relax my anxiety!' Lucas could not help but to think in happiness.

He really couldn't wait for his treasure hunt in Ereck forest.