The next day, we left the town and headed toward our destination: the Asai Forest.

Apparently, it was a reasonably profitable hunting ground. As we walked, we occasionally passed other adventurers.

I observed their equipment while staying vigilant of our surroundings.

Yeah, at the very least… this didn’t seem like the kind of place that top-tier adventurers would tackle with all their might.

Just by watching their movements, it was clear they weren’t on the same level as Rey or Shannon. But their gear was well-maintained.

Their armor bore multiple scars, yet on closer inspection, I could see careful repairs had been made to it.

"What’re you staring at, kid?"

"You looking for a fight? Not that I’d brag about beating someone dressed in such flimsy clothes."

Instead of clunky armor that would slow me down, I wore lightweight clothing, a decision made to maintain my barrier while moving quickly.

My outfit was made of decent silk but wasn’t overly luxurious—it helped me avoid drawing attention. It was much more comfortable than hemp, and for me, that was good enough.

Apparently, these guys assumed I was some poor rookie adventurer, barely scraping by gathering herbs to survive. They gave me a pitiful look before scoffing and snorting in laughter.

"Got business with my team?"

"Huh…? Oh, no, not really. Your team?"

"Wait, is that… Logan? Nah, just someone who looks like him, right?"

The adventurers pointed from me to Rey, then to Logan standing behind her. They clearly wanted to say, “You’re the odd one out.”

"Is that a… turtle?"

The group of three adventurers turned their attention to Ivy, perched on my shoulder, enthusiastically patting it with her tiny hands as if declaring, “Bring it on!”

The men burst out laughing, saying this wasn’t a playground for pets.

I didn’t bother responding.

While it’s true that adventurers shouldn’t be underestimated, I’ve come to think a bit differently lately.

Rather than stand out by showing my strength and intimidating people, I figured it was easier to let them look down on me just a little.

"Hey, you three! Cut it out… mmph!"

"Haha, yeah, sure thing~."

I covered Rey’s mouth to stop her from saying anything more, playing along with a forced laugh.

The adventurers quickly disappeared into the deeper parts of the forest, perhaps deciding I wasn’t worth their time.

After they were out of sight, I released Rey. She gasped for air like someone surfacing from underwater, her brows furrowed in frustration.

"Bruno, are you okay with this!?"

"Okay with what?"

"Being mocked like that! Aren’t you angry?"

"Not really."

"What?! Why not!?"

It’s not like being mocked caused me any harm. Sure, if they’d tried to hurt Ivy or me, it’d be a different story, but I didn’t think they had the guts to follow through on their provocations.

Rey didn’t seem convinced, but Logan, on the other hand, nodded repeatedly.

"Bruno possesses a solid sense of self. He does not waver due to others’ opinions. Rey, whether it’s my place to say this or not… a person’s worth greatly depends on whether they have something deeply rooted within them. Perhaps one day you, too, will find yours."

"Master Logan…"

While Rey and Logan were having some seemingly important discussion, Ivy and I made a conscious effort to tune it out.

After all, Logan was the “Dragon Knight” Logan. The adventurer’s reaction earlier connected all the dots for me!

They weren’t staring at Ivy because she was unusual—they recognized Logan as a famous figure!

And Rey? Why is someone like him your mentor?!

Traveling with such a big shot is way too overwhelming!

Still, I’m not going to ask her about it. My instincts tell me it’ll only make things more complicated!

"Aaaahhhhh!"

As we walked further, a scream rang out from deeper in the forest.

It was a familiar voice—the adventurer we’d just encountered.

Before either of my companions could say anything, Ivy and I dashed toward the source of the scream.

Move first, think later—that was my plan to keep from overthinking things.

Yeah, that’s it. Better to just act.

"Mii, mii miii…"

Ivy chided me with a “don’t overdo it” sort of tone, her words drawing a wry smile from me as I pushed myself to move faster.

Ivy, sometimes a man just… needs to escape from it all.