Tomorrow, we’ll be splitting into five groups before venturing outside the forest. Our reasons for departing are varied: some of us want to enjoy different surroundings, and some need to gather information. The primary reason, however, is that the efficiency of gaining experience in this forest has significantly declined.
There’s no need to worry about other monsters taking over our base; some of our members will be staying behind. Each venturing group consists of exactly ten members, excluding familiars, so the total number varies depending on how many members bring familiars.
The members of each group were:
First Group: Dhami, Redhead Shorty, and four other humans, three demon lords, and me.
Second Group: Ogrekichi, Asue, one hobgoblin cleric, three humans, and four foot soldier kobolds.
Third Group: Bloodsato, Spellsei, three elves, one human, three hobgoblins, and one hobgoblin cleric.
Fourth Group: Two ogres, one hobgoblin mage, two weretigers, two dragonewts, and three humans.
Fifth Group: Dodome, five ogres, two humans, one kobold underling, and one centaur.
We included humans in every group because they’re the most widespread species in this world, which will help us avoid unnecessary conflicts while also handling miscellaneous tasks. There wasn’t any real reason for including some of the newcomers in our group. If anything, that was a whim. But the designated individuals seemed to have misunderstood it as a formal entry test for the mercenary group, and I didn’t bother to correct them since they appeared to be taking it seriously.
Seiji, Ghulfu, the Dullahan, and the Lady Knight were part of the group that would be staying behind. I planned to quickly secure some mercenary work and take them outside at a later date.
Before all that, I had one final task for the day: inviting the elven chieftain and his entourage to the hot spring. The guest hot spring was located outside our main base, at a slightly distant spot that made it easier for visiting elves to access. It was also in a defensively advantageous location and equipped with minimal security features to ensure safety during baths.
The elven chieftain’s reaction was highly favorable. The elves soaked in the warm hot spring up to their shoulders, with towels on their heads, looking very pleased. I took the opportunity to ask them to spread the word among the elves. Of course, I also explained that there would be a fee and specific rules for bathing.
When the elves were through soaking, I served some light dishes. Thanks to the chef sisters, the goblins who had learned to cook prepared the meal. I thought it was quite delicious, and the elves also seemed satisfied, judging by the contented smiles on their faces.
The elves had also brought along a barrel of elven wine, so we naturally transitioned into a banquet. Luckily, we had our outdoor training ground, with space to set up a campfire and dance freely—music provided by me—which significantly enlivened the atmosphere.
The newcomers seemed to be gradually fitting in, and I noticed some of them dancing along. It was a good sign. As I observed my surroundings, I shared a drink with the elven chieftain.
It's great to have a drinking buddy, isn’t it?