After leaving the A rank party, I aim for the deep part of the labyrinth with my former students
"Missing...!?"
The next day, as we prepared to set out for the Amber Forest, we received some rather strange and shocking news.
The dark elf party that was supposed to accompany us to the World Tree—most of its members had gone missing.
To confirm the situation, we headed to Elder Elran’s residence, where the elder himself was taking command.
"Elder Elran!"
"Ah, you’ve arrived, Sir Yuke."
"I heard that our guides have disappeared."
At my words, Elder Elran gave a deep nod.
He had likely been managing the situation all this time—his deeply wrinkled face was lined with fatigue.
"I apologize. According to reports, they vanished without a trace this morning."
"Is there a possibility that they simply left ahead of schedule?"
"Unlikely. They belong to the clan that has guarded the Amber Forest for generations. There is no reason for them to act recklessly now."
That only deepened the mystery.
From what I had heard, they weren’t the type to cause trouble. Could something unknown be happening behind the scenes?
"Time is of the essence... We will have the remaining members accompany you. Is that acceptable, Sir Yuke?"
"Yes, that won’t be a problem."
It was a troubling development, but we couldn’t afford to stop now.
"Well then, shall we go, Lord Feldio?"
The voice calling out to me belonged to a young dark elf I recognized.
He was the same guard who had barred my way at the gates of the elder’s residence a few days ago.
It made sense—if he was trusted with guarding the gates, he was likely from the same clan that protected the Amber Forest.
"Ah, I appreciate your guidance. And your name is...?"
"Tymus. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
The dark elf youth gave a small bow, and I returned it with a nod.
Behind me, my companions looked uneasy.
Perhaps there was some lingering resentment over my earlier confinement, but I hoped they would let it go for now.
We needed their help to navigate the Amber Forest.
"This way."
Led by Tymus, we proceeded through the elder’s residence.
Three other dark elves accompanied him.
"Silk, something wrong?"
I whispered to Silk, who was walking beside me.
She responded in a hushed voice.
"When you were detained, he was the one who delivered the message."
"I see."
If he had shown the same attitude then, it was no wonder my companions held a grudge.
Even so, we had to work together now.
With those thoughts in mind, we made our way through the elder’s residence and exited to the back.
There, we found a small garden at the forest’s edge.
A dense, overgrown path led into the woods, marked by a small gate.
"Wow, it’s beautiful..."
Marina’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at it.
I felt the same way, even if I didn’t say it aloud.
The gate was a small archway, just wide enough for a single person to pass through. It was adorned with brilliant red and orange amber, softly glowing in the sunlight.
"This is the Amber Gate. Only beyond this gate does the path to the World Tree begin."
Following Elder Elran’s words, Tymus added a warning.
"It is a secret of our Amber Forest clan. Do not speak of it lightly."
I had already sensed it, but Tymus clearly disliked or distrusted us.
"Conduct yourselves with care in the forest."
"Tymus. I understand that you are taking command in Kijim’s absence, but you must also mind your own conduct."
"Elder, this is the Amber Forest. By right, Lady Silk’s escort should be our duty..."
Tymus’ voice grew sharp, but Elder Elran raised a hand to stop him.
"You have already agreed to this matter. It was by my permission."
"......"
Tymus looked unconvinced, but after a long pause, he slowly bowed his head to the elder.
"Understood, Elder."
"Good. Take care of Silk."
Without offering any further words, the young dark elf stepped forward to the Amber Gate.
"We will go ahead. Lady Silk and her group, follow after us."
"…What about advance scouting?"
"Unnecessary. This is the Amber Forest—our garden, our home. Just follow behind us."
With only that brief remark, Tymus passed through the Amber Gate.
Nene let out a small sigh.
I understood how she felt, but now was not the time to argue.
"I apologize, Sir Yuke. If the original members had been present, this wouldn’t have been an issue."
"No, I appreciate that they’re still willing to guide us. Let’s proceed as we discussed."
"Indeed. I leave it to you."
Elder Elran gave a firm nod before glancing at the magical recording artifact we each carried—Gopro-kun.
For him, allowing a broadcast from within the Amber Forest, a sacred and forbidden place, must have been a painful decision.
"Silk."
"Yes, Grandfather?"
"Fulfill your duty as a descendant of the elders… together with Sir Yuke."
Taking Silk’s hand, Elder Elran closed his eyes.
Silk squeezed his hand in return and nodded.
"Yes, I promise. Leave it to us."
"Good. I’ll be waiting for your safe return. Come back to me."
Releasing her hand, Elder Elran took a step back.
In his place, our companions stepped forward.
"We’re going to make this a success!"
"It’s been a while since our last adventure… let’s do our best?"
"Of course! I’ll give it my all!"
"I’ll support you with everything I’ve got, Silk."
At their words, Silk smiled brightly.
"Yes. I’m counting on you, everyone. Now then, Sensei… the usual, please."
"The usual?"
For a moment, I wasn’t sure what she meant.
Then, I realized.
Adjusting my gloves and fixing my gaze on the Amber Gate, I took a deep breath and spoke with resolve.
"Alright… Let’s have fun—carefully."
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