Hearing Finn speak, Theo pondered briefly and then silently told himself:

  "G, analyze."

  G's voice rang out—serious and cold—heard only by Theo, transmitting directly to his neural processor:

  "Analysis target: Oak Lynx muscle tissue. Estimated usable mass: 110–120 kg."

  "Muscle density abnormally high. Fibers significantly denser than those of ordinary beasts, likely the result of long-term mana adaptation enhancing both strength and speed retention. Meat toughness estimated at 60% above standard beast meat, confirming Finn’s assessment. Regarding preservation: high density and residual mana provide natural antibacterial resistance. Estimated preservation time extends to two to three weeks without special magical processing."

  "Nutritional composition: high protein content—approximately 85% of total solid mass. Suitable for emergency recovery. Trace substances detected with properties similar to low-grade magical materials. Fat content very low (under 5%), but the fat contains concentrated hormones and scent-gland compounds. Recommend complete removal to improve meat quality. Flavor profile: strong, slightly fishy, and faintly acrid due to active scent glands, complex habitat exposure, and high mana saturation within muscle fibers."

  G's voice grew heavier:

  "Toxicity analysis: low-grade poisonous mushroom spores detected within muscle tissue. Consumption of raw or insufficiently processed meat may cause nausea, hallucinations, or mild allergic reactions. Required detoxification: sustained heat treatment above 100°C for a minimum of three hours, followed by herbal filtration."

  Reviewing the detailed analysis table projected by G, Theo quickly formulated the most appropriate preservation and processing methods.

  He used his knife to remove all portions damaged during combat, along with fat deposits and heavily scented sections around the groin, armpits, and neck. Finn had already removed the liver and gallbladder; Theo discarded the remaining internal organs. When he examined the cleaned meat—now reduced to roughly 80–90 kilograms—he nodded in satisfaction. It would provide a substantial ration for the coming days. At the same time, several ideas for processing the tough monster beast meat began forming in his mind.

  Before long, all seven monster beasts were neatly processed. Even the two giant Lynxes took Finn only twenty minutes each. The total processing time nearly matched the limit Vesper had given them. It was a textbook demonstration of a high-level craftsman’s efficiency.

  Theo glanced around. Boris, Torvin, and the Guards had completed the cremation of their two fallen comrades, aided by Stone Mushroom Oil and Rowan’s magic. Their ashes would be carried home and buried in their native soil—a sacred custom in Aethelgard, where the people worshiped Sol Invictus, the Undefeated Sun God. Though they had fallen in the dark mushroom forest, their bodies were still returned through glorious flame, a sign that they had reentered Sol Invictus’s light.

  Meanwhile, the cargo wagons and livestock had been repaired and calmed after the Lynxes’ attack. The rest of the caravan had reassembled. Everything was ready.

  "Move out."

  Vesper’s decisive command echoed through the forest, signaling the journey’s continuation. After two fierce battles, his leadership had earned unquestioned authority within the caravan. Thanks to that trust, Theo was permitted to load the harvested meat onto the transport wagons. The caravan master, Adam—whose name Theo had only just learned—cleared space in the livestock feed compartment, which had already been reduced after the long journey, allowing Theo to stack nearly 600 kilograms of spoils. For the men who had saved the caravan’s lives, no request was refused. That was also why Theo chose to transport everything to Mycelia for processing rather than discard any portion.

  According to Vesper, this territory belonged to the Lynx pack, so the risk of encountering other predators would remain low for a short time. They would travel through the night to accelerate their progress. If nothing unexpected occurred, they would likely arrive by morning. Theo would finally be able to rest after his first arduous expedition and training journey.

  Traveling at night through the mushroom forest was never comfortable, but the approaching city of Mycelia motivated everyone. The caravan maintained its pace, eating only minimal rations to sustain themselves. Even the livestock seemed calmer, as if sensing the presence of habitation ahead.

  Gradually, the fog began to thin, and the mushroom forest grew less dense. After hours of weaving between massive oak roots, the terrain suddenly opened. The atmosphere shifted—not silent and oppressive, but vibrant with light and life. The Mycelia region was veiled in a light mist—not the dense spore-laden fog of the deep forest, but gentle moisture exhaled from the ancient oaks that had stood for millennia.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  When Theo looked up, the city resembled an architectural dream.

  The high-rise structures did not touch the ground. Large ivory-colored blocks, exquisitely carved, were anchored securely to the oak trunks through ingenious engineering. In the filtered light beneath the canopy, they shimmered like inverted crystals—elegant yet formidable.

  Mycelia’s primary light source was Stone Mushroom Oil.

  On elevated platforms and tower peaks, the oil burned not with ordinary orange flames, but with brilliant blue-green fire, producing little smoke and casting a sacred glow. In this kingdom, where Sol Invictus was worshiped as the embodiment of order and life amid darkness, flame carried deep spiritual meaning.

  The blue light reflected across ivory surfaces, giving the city the appearance of porcelain glazed with living luminescence.

  Life in Mycelia was a display of movement and craftsmanship.

  Residents navigated through intricate pulley and cable systems strung between buildings and oak trunks. Skilled merchants and craftsmen crossed elevated wooden bridges, transporting goods and rare medicinal fungi, forming a dynamic three-dimensional trade network. Their faces appeared slightly pale, tinged faintly green from the perpetual reflection of Stone Mushroom light.

  Around the bridges and flames, thousands of bioluminescent insects drifted like stardust, leaving shimmering trails. The air carried the scent of mineral-rich fungi and ancient oak.

  The city felt like a fusion of poetry and engineering—human civilization woven seamlessly into the forest.

  Though its elevation protected it from many ground-based threats, Mycelia maintained strict defenses. That was why the caravan halted at the outer checkpoint. All arrivals were reported to sentries, and both people and cargo were inspected to prevent infiltration of threats or prohibited materials.

  The inspection proceeded quickly—likely because Adam was well known to the guards. He spoke with the sentries and introduced Vesper.

  With the mission completed, the Night Hawk group headed toward a recommended inn. Finn had gathered advice from both Adam and the guards. Even for Theo, the journey into the heart of the city was captivating.

  They did not travel on the ground. Instead, the group stepped onto a wooden rope ladder attached to a pulley system, which lifted them upward through a mechanism that immediately piqued Theo’s curiosity. The Striders were entrusted to the guards and, for a modest fee, housed in secure stables.

  Soon, they arrived at a wide gray-green pathway clinging to a colossal oak trunk, resembling a massive serpent coiled around its host. Rope bridges extended outward, connecting neighboring trunks.

  Beneath them lay the dark forest abyss. Above, the canopy obscured the sky. Around them stretched the suspended city—an experience Theo had never witnessed in either lifetime.

  "Rowan," Theo asked, touching the railing, "what is this material? It’s as hard as stone but as light as wood."

  Rowan smiled, her expression glowing in the blue-green light. "Welcome to Mycelia—the city of Myco-Stone."

  She spread her arms as if embracing the city.

  "One of Aethelgard’s most unique cities. Population: around twenty thousand. Primary faith: Sol Invictus."

  She lowered her arms and gestured to the structure.

  "The main resource here is Myco-Stone. The people use specialized extraction techniques to produce Myco-Stone oil—their primary export and lighting source. The remaining compressed material becomes Stone Fungus, which forms the foundation of this city."

  Theo nodded. A single resource producing both fuel and construction material—commercially and structurally invaluable.

  Finn added, tapping the cable beside them, "They also produce Fungal Fiber Cloth and reinforced oak cable—both excellent materials. The cloth resists moisture and retains warmth. You should buy a set if you plan to operate in damp regions. And the cable is favored by adventurers for its durability."

  His gaze drifted slightly.

  "They also have a distinctive culinary culture. Most dishes are based on specially cultivated mushrooms and spices—highly sought after in other regions. Another key export."

  Theo immediately understood Finn was imagining local cuisine.

  Only then did he notice Vesper was absent.

  Rowan caught his searching look and smiled teasingly. "Ves is negotiating payment and arranging storage for the meat you deposited. Did you forget your spoils of war?"

  She winked.

  Theo rubbed his brow. Fatigue had dulled his awareness.

  Even Al, perched atop the luggage behind him, was dozing. The harsh conditions of the mushroom forest had exhausted the small Pidgey.

  Theo exhaled softly.

  For now, rest was all he needed.