Chapter 493: Fun Treats for Aspiring Adventurers

CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP CHIRP

The birds sang various melodies, the leaves dancing to their tune and the playful winds listening as they whispered their sweet words. The sweet floral scent of the gardens wafted along the streets, flowers blooming as they greeted the morning sun.

It was a new day, and with it was a treasure trove of opportunities. The sun is now high up in the sky, the shadows growing shorter by the minute. All there was was hope and radiance, people going about their day under the vast blue sky.

Under the same sky, children of various ages are learning their letters and numbers, eyes glued to the board as they lend their ears to their instructor, their hands running atop their papers as they jotted down notes from the lecture.

"One of the most important things about surviving in the wild is the awareness of your immediate surroundings. This is vital not only for you and your team's survival, but also for the success of the operation.

Where the water sources are, what resources you can gather readily, where enemies might appear, the terrain, and all those sorts of things. The moment you are familiar with them, planning other steps will come along smoothly after." ［???］

An old man spoke loud and clear, the children nodding after their words. They made sure to burn his lecture into their minds and keep it in their minds all the time. It was important to learn how to fight, but survival was still top priority.

The pointing stick slid across the board and the chalked continued to grow shorter. More and more words and illustrations were drawn on the board, simple and familiar as can be. The children familiarize themselves with the said symbols.

"Then we have the rationing of food. As you know, the wilderness is a dangerous place and in order to survive, one must know how to safely ration your food." ［???］

"Finding a river or lake, even a small creek is essential for camping. However, this doesn't mean you need to set up right beside them. There is always the risk of flood and thirsty beasts could also appear." ［???］

"Monsters and beasts... While they are both creatures who could harm you, there are many clear differences between the two groups." ［???］

There wasn't just one instructor either, but 4 of them, all teaching the children the ways of the wild and how to survive in such unforgiving environments. They didn't sugarcoat their words a little bit, laying them bare for everyone to understand.

After all, carelessness is the root of failure. Failure which, in the world of adventuring and the wild, could lead to danger and even death if people are unfortunate enough. It was better to eliminate any stupid and arrogant thoughts as soon as possible.

The instructors continued their lecture, questions raised one after another. All the children were serious about the topic and didn't miss even a single second of it. It was their only chance to prove themselves, and so, they grabbed it tightly.

"Fufufu! They sure are eager to learn. How cute!" ［Yuna］

"They are more serious about this than I thought... They didn't even notice us arriving when they all normally rush towards us." ［Grey］

"But doesn't that make you want to cheer on them even more? They're normally all lively and full of energy. It's rare to see them so well behaved and quiet." ［Yuna］

"Hmm... I guess this makes it worth all the effort..." ［Grey］

"Fufufu! It totally does～!" ［Yuna］

It's been a week since the children wished to become adventurers, and the weekend has come knocking once again. The children have been earnest and diligent in their studies, performing all their responsibilities the best they can.

And to reward all their efforts, Grey and Yuna also spent as much effort as they could to find them the best instructors they could, searching far and wide for capable and responsible people they can put their trust into.

They initially wanted to hire some retired adventurers to become the children's full-time instructors, but after some twists and turns of fate, they ended up with more than what they bargained for... They got themselves some retired Royal Guards...

It was all thanks to the recommendation of the King. It seems like while the Guards have already retired, some still want to use their blades and shields for something useful, and what better purpose was there than to help raise the next generation?

"Yes, the red-haired child at the back, do you have any question?" ［Bailey］

"Umm... Instructor, about rationing food... Can't we just pick food from the forest?"

"Foraging, huh... While it's true that it's an important survival skill, that would take you a long time to hone and an even longer time to master." ［Bailey］

"What if we bring books about wild plants with us then?"

"You are better off just familiarizing yourself with them. Those thick and heavy books will only weigh you down. Moreover, you wouldn't always be in a place where there is plenty of food. There are also deserts and wastelands." ［Bailey］

One of the retired Royal Guards they recruited was named Bailey Raporia. He is an old man in his early 50s, a swordsman who was adept at using fire magic, standing at the peak of C-rank and a capable knight in his prime.

He was granted a fief by the King and also the rank of Baronet, but he decided to pass up on all the honor and had his eldest son inherit it instead. All he wants is to live his remaining years freely and continue wielding his sword for others.

"Rivers, streams, and lakes... While it is faint, there is a certain scent to them which you could follow around. All you need is to familiarize yourself." ［Jason］

"But we don't have a keen sense of smell like you, Instructor!"

"That's true, but the same also holds true for other animals. If you can't smell it, then all you have to do is follow someone or something who can." ［Jason］

"Isn't that dangerous?"

"It could be. But as long as you know which animals to follow, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. All you need is knowledge and a bit of experience." ［Jason］

Another one was named Jason Briar, a therianthrope of the jaguar trine. He was the youngest of the four knights they recruited and he is a skilled archer who belongs to the lightning-attribute, one of the best ranged knights in the country.

While he is now teaching kids about rivers, lakes, and various other water sources, he will be teaching them how to wield a bow later and handle some dagger action as well in order to defend themselves in close combat.

Jason would also be teaching the kids later how to apply their skills in different sorts of scenarios, using them in ways they are not supposed to but creating unexpectedly helpful results. Things of such nature were his expertise.

"While monsters will attack you regardless of the situation, beasts can be intimidated and scared off even if they are much stronger than you." ［Yuriah］

"Beasts are especially scared of loud sounds, fire, and things much bigger than them. The weaker ones would run away as soon as they see or hear one." ［Landon］

"From this, I suggest you learn to make fire. Not only will it drive the beasts away, it also serves various other purposes which are essential for survival." ［Yuriah］

"That's right. And by learning how to make and control fires, you will know how to build campfires, make simple torches, smoke away insects, and burn away beast corpses to not attract any more troublesome foes." ［Landon］

Lastly, there was Landon and Yuriah Marks. They are a married couple who were visiting the Royal Capital when Grey and Yuna extended their invitations, and with nothing else to do but spend their days together, they decided to accept the offer.

Landon was a Lancer of the wind-attribute who will soon be in charge of teaching children about pole weapons. Meanwhile, Yuriah was a guardian belonging to the plant-attribute, in charge of teaching them shielding techniques.

Other than that, everyone will also be teaching the children the vital importance of cooperation and strategic planning in survival. They will be throwing them in all sorts of different situations, and see how the children will respond to them.

"Instructor, when are we going to learn about fighting?"

One of the children asked and the others listened in as well. Everyone was curious and were also wondering about it. After all, it was one of the most important parts of adventuring and also the part they were most excited about.

After all, the sooner they start learning how to fight, the sooner they will get stronger. The children were all excited for Grey and Yuna, however, the same couldn't be said for the instructors, soon heaving lengthy sighs and shaking their heads.

"Haah... We aren't learning how to fight." ［Bailey］

"Eh?! We aren't learning how to fight?!"

"What are we supposed to do?! Is this really alright?!"

"What about Big Bro and Big Sis' test?! Will we be okay?!"

The children quickly panicked after hearing Bailey's words, some dropping their pens and some frozen speechless from surprise as they tried to take in the situation. After all, Grey and Yuna only gave them a month for the test.

Though, Grey and Yuna haven't given them the details for the test, as they have yet to decide the contents at the time. It was only natural that the children were confused and in panic. They don't want to fail such an important opportunity after all.

"Calm down. No one is failing." ［Bailey］

"But Instructor! What about the test?!"

"Don't worry. We already discussed it with their Highnesses, and your test will be conducted in 2 parts. The first one will be done by early next month and will be testing the practical skills you learned from us.

For the second part, it will be done by the end of the year, and Their Highnesses will be personally testing you themselves. Only if you pass that test will they give you the permission to continue learning and register as adventurers." ［Bailey］

Thankfully, Bailey was there to explain things thoroughly and concisely to everyone, making sure even the youngest children understand them fully. It was only then that the children could breathe a sigh of relief and calm down.

It was the decision Grey and Yuna made along with the instructors and the managers of Esperanza who are taking care of the children. They don't really know how much they would help, but it was the best they could do.

Of course, while Grey and Yuna are leaving most of the teaching to the instructors, they would also be teaching the students some lessons from time to time, correcting their mistakes and checking on their growth every now and then.

"Now... Has everybody calmed down?" ［Bailey］

"Yes... Sorry for the fuss, Instructors..."

"Me too. I'm really sorry for troubling you."

"We're sorry..." "Instructors, sorry for the trouble." "Sorry..."

As soon as all the misunderstanding was cleared up, the children immediately bowed their heads and apologized to the instructors, speaking up their sincere thoughts with apologetic expressions painted on their gloomy faces.

They are good children, after all. While they were in a panic before, they didn't mean to trouble their instructors from the fuss and ruckus they caused. The old instructors could only chuckle and giggle, finding the children quite cute.

"Then, let's continue our lessons, shall we?" ［Landon］

"Everyone. Eyes on the board, please." ［Yuriah］

"Now... Where were we again... Ah, right..." ［Jason］

With all the misunderstandings resolved, the old knights then faced the boards once again, continuing their lectures and the children listening even more attentively than before, their passions burning and roaring ablaze in their hearts.

The children were all eager for knowledge and ready to take their first steps. They did not only learn by themselves, they also talked to one another, discussing what they do and don't understand, whispering in low voices.

As for Grey and Yuna, they only watched them with warm eyes, admiring how hard working the children were and their earnest spirit. Some noticed their presence, but they only smiled and greeted them with a nod, shifting their eyes again to the boards.

"Fufufu! How adorable～! They're working so hard～!" ［Yuna］

"Then, shouldn't we do so as well? We still have a lot to make." ［Grey］

"Ah! Right! I completely forgot!" ［Yuna］

"Hmm... I guess I'll make them all myself then. See ya～." ［Grey］

"Wait, Grey! Don't leave me here!" ［Yuna］

Shenanigans afoot in the air, Grey and Yuna then headed a little bit away from the children, then taking out their trusty portable kitchen, making sure not to make a single sound and distract the learning immersion of the children.

They were just there to observe how the children were doing. They were also there to test out new products for Esperanza which is targeted specifically to children. Once they are done learning, the children will become their taste testers.

With the way Esperanza is now, they don't really need to be present in order to run the shopping mall. Still, they opted to help out from time to time and bring new ideas to the table, usually products people have never seen before.

There was a lot of sugar, syrups, honey, fruits, salt, corn, rice, and even herbs and spices. The whole table was filled with color and life, pots, pans, and kitchenwares following soon after. Grey then erected a barrier for the finishing touch.

"A barrier? Why so suddenly?" ［Yuna］

"I thought we should block the smell and sound as well. It may be distracting for the children. We don't want to distract them now, do we?" ［Grey］

"Un! As expected of Grey! My fiancé really is thoughtful!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. That isn't enough to make me flustered, My Dear." ［Grey］

"I was being honest! Really! Really!" ［Yuna］

"Sure, sure, I'm sure you were." ［Grey］

Smiles on their faces and a light atmosphere in the air, Grey and Yuna then started to move their hands and took out the bowls and ladles. The first thing they are going to make is the fun to chew and pop, the popular bubble gum!

It is one of the most famous treats on Earth, coming in all shapes, sizes, colors, and flavors. They are fun to chew, fun to blow, and fun to pop. It was a sweet and unique treat yet to be introduced to the world, smiles abloom on their faces.

They first made the gum base using resin, beeswax, and natural latex from sapodilla. They stirred and balanced the mixture, before adding corn syrup, citrus, and glycerin which they extracted from coconut and olive oils, heating them soon after.

The mixture was heated and stirred in a regular pattern, stirring gently until the whole mixture melted. After which, they then added natural fruity flavors from the fruit extracts they just freshly extracted, food coloring as well to match the taste.

After the colors had popped completely, it was time to add powdered sugar, mixing with the use of magic and making sure the mixture wasn't too dry nor too sticky, then cooling it quite a bit until it started to harden a little.

"Are you sure we can eat this thing, Grey?" ［Yuna］

"No, not really... Or rather, they aren't exactly meant for eating. They are meant to be chewed and popped, then spat out soon after." ［Grey］

"Eh? You spit it out? Isn't that kind of weird." ［Yuna］

"I guess...? Well, I think it's better to experience it for yourself later." ［Grey］

There was idle talk and then there was work. Grey and Yuna then started kneading them thoroughly until it started to resemble the bubble gum Grey knew and loved, cutting them into all sorts of shapes and sizes once they were done,

There were squares, there were rectangles, there were balls, and there were some fun and strange shapes as well. A trail of colors filled the bowl, and with a sprinkle of cornstarch and powdered sugar, everything was finally done and dusted.

Up came next was taste testing. Grey only saw one post from the internet which he replicated so he doesn't really know he was right, but surprisingly, when he chewed on the gum, it felt perfectly sweet and chewy, a wave of nostalgia hitting him hard.

"Waah～! It's all chewy and stretchy! I feel weird but also fun!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Do you like it?" ［Grey］

"Un! It's sweet and fun! I love it!" ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. Then Yuna, I'll show you a little trick." ［Grey］

Said Grey with a smile on his face, then chewing on the gum, pressing it against his teeth, and blowing some air into it. A pop of pink ballooned into a bubble, and with a quick bite from him, a short and sweet popping sound echoed in the air.

"W-What was that?! How did you do that?! Teach me! Teach me!" ［Yuna］

"Alright, alright, I'll teach you to calm down a little, yeah?" ［Grey］

The reaction was just as expected, Yuna's eyes sparkling with excitement like a little child as she asked Grey to teach her what he just did. It didn't take long before Yuna learned the technique, popping bubbles left and right for quite a while.

It wasn't just bubble gum they made either. They also made all sorts of fun treats and candies children were sure to love. There were pop rocks, gummy bears, fruit jellies, various flavors of marshmallows, whistle candies, corn puffs, and many more.

Grey was worried about introducing too much candies and junk foods to Merusia. However, it didn't take him long before he realized it was useless. They already introduced fast food, cold desserts, and all sorts of things. It was already too late.

And it's not like such candies could just be bought easily by children. At most, they can buy it once a week or so. They are treats to reward themselves every once in a while. Rather, it might boost their motivation.

"Agh! The tent is flying away! Hold it down quickly!"

"Where are we supposed to nail them down again?"

"Oohhh!! We finally made it stand! Yeah～!"

They worked hard in making the treats, and so did the children in their lessons. They are now applying the things the instructors taught them, first starting with setting up the tents, everyone forming groups of five or six.

Of course, doing it the first time wasn't easy. Even with the help of the instructors, some still struggled to set up the tents and make them stand, the kids sometimes arguing as they were put under the pressure of others completing it quicker than them.

Fortunately enough, the instructors were there to break up the arguments and guide them as gently as they could. It didn't take long before everyone calmed down and got a good grasp of things, setting up tents one after another.

Time passed by just like that, and after setting up the tents, the children were tasked to start a campfire, divide watch duty between themselves, clear the surroundings of hazards, and things of such nature. Everyone was working hard.

"Everyone～! Let's take a short break, okay?" ［Yuna］

It didn't take long before Grey and Yuna finished making everything they needed, and with bright smiles on their faces, they waved their hands cheerfully towards everyone. They already talked with the instructors, and it was time for their break as well.

"Everyone, gather up～! We have something fun and exciting to give you. Tell us what you think later, okay～?" ［Yuna］

"Now, now, stop pushing each other. There is enough for everyone. You can get one of each kind for yourselves. Be honest, alright?" ［Grey］

Bowls filled with treats and candies in their hands, Grey and Yuna had the kids line up and gave them all sorts of treats to try and enjoy for themselves. Of course, they also handed over some for the instructors to enjoy as well.

Various reactions bloomed as everyone tried the treats Grey and Yuna made. Some were surprised as the candies popped in their mouths, some enjoyed the sweet and chewy bubble gums, and some relished in delight as they ate the corn puffs.

The excitement spiked even more when Grey and Yuna showed the children fun ways to enjoy them. They popped a bubble with the bubble gum, blew on the whistle candies, painted their tongues using paint candies, and so much more.

"Waah～! Look! My tongue has turned completely blue!"

"Hahaha! I bet you can't blow a bigger bubble than me!"

"Hey, try this one! It goes pop-pop-pop in your mouth!"

Needless to say, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the treats Grey and Yuna made for them, the children showing off to their friends all the fun things they can do with the things Grey and Yuna gave them, bright smiles on their faces,

It wasn't just the children either. The instructors were also pleasantly surprised by the items Grey and Yuna made, wishing to purchase some to give their grandchildren as presents. It was a wonderful surprise on their first day at work.

POP POP POP POP POP POP POP POP POP

But perhaps the one who enjoyed them the most was the young lady beside Grey. She smiled from ear to ear as she put some pop rocks inside her mouth, feeling them pop like fireworks inside her mouth with excitement in her heart.

It wasn't just the pop rocks either. She was the one who enjoyed all the treats the most, acting even more of a child than the children before her. Grey could only keep his chuckle to himself, wondering just how can his fiancée be so adorable.

"Ah, Yuna... There's something on your cheeks." ［Grey］

"Oh? Can you get it for me, please?" ［Yuna］

"Sure... Just hold on a second..." ［Grey］

Just like that, time passed by with excitement drifting in the air. And after a fun and exciting break time, everyone was now full of energy to continue the lessons, the kids brimming with motivation as they finished setting up the camp.

Grey and Yuna also mentioned that whoever does well in the first lesson will be given more treats and candies, much to everyone's delight. They all worked hard with bright smiles on their faces, facing the task before them with hopeful eyes.

What a wonderful day it was.

CHAPTER 493 END