---Outskirts of Town Winslow, Country of Trianta

Inside a rich forest with green trees that seem to touch the sky, and silence everlasting, a certain man walks through its tough terrain. Because of the nature of the large trees, the roots are exposed to the surface and are so large they would be equivalent to the height of a 3 year old child, creating landscape no normal man could walk through. But even so, the man walks through it like cruising along a beach.

This man of course is ex-emperor Vale, or because of certain circumstances, just Vale Lander. Wearing just a plain white shirt, old leather leggings and worn out leather boots, seeming to break apart at any moment, no one would think this man was an Emperor let alone a Noble of the lowest class. As Vale continues to walk through the forest, all the animals and dog-like monsters run away from his path, sensing the extraordinary power within him.

Vale pays no attention to his surroundings, and simply walks forward, to busy to cope with such a task. If one were to pay attention, you would see how truly odd this forest was. Some grass spots were burnt to crisps, the wild animals like deer and foxes were always on the run, never stopping until they were hidden from sight and trees that seem to move. Unknown to Vale, this forest was famous for its deadly trees and maze-like structure.

While Vale was thinking about his future plans, a dim red light can be seen in the distance. Although something like this might creep others to their wits, since they are in a forest with monsters running about, Vale breaks from his concentration and looks to, knowing the source of light comes from a lantern, thanks to his unnaturally high vision.

"Wow, that was easier than I thought. I felt like I would walk around in circles because of this damn forest." Vale said as he sighed.

Finally reaching the end of the forest, Vale was able to see the lantern attached to a wall previously hidden by vines and leaves.This wall measured up to 30 feet in height, pretty high for a small town. One could also see how strongly built such a wall was made only by Wooden logs.

"This must be it." said Vale as he walked around the Wooden Walls searching for the entrance.

Winslow Guard POV---

Man, nothing ever happens in this town. Don't even know why we have to guard this entrance. Not like anyone's gonna walk through that damn forest, I thought.

While I was standing at the left side of the entrance, I looked at the pitiful guard sleeping on the job.

"Hey idiot, get up before the Captain catches you sleeping again." I said as I slapped the other guard in the face as hard as I can.

"Hey! That hurt like hell! Can't you hold back a bit?" The other guard shouted with a red cheek while slowly getting up from his nap.

"Shut up, last time you slept I also got in trouble and had my pay decreased for a month. So get up before I slap you even harder, or better yet, the captain will probably do it for me." I said while smiling at the thought.

With Wade getting up, I walk back to my original position only to find a man with black hair who looked like he went through hell standing there with a smile.

"Wh-Who are you? What's your business here?" I say while putting myself to defensive position as I grab my spear on my back. Thank Irena, I was able to say my lines perfectly after my frustrating training during the communications course.

With my sudden reaction, Wade quickly gets up and joins me.

"Haha, Sorry about that, I was only waiting til after your conversation for me to speak up, but your actions made me want to see more." The man says while having a good laugh.

"Tha-that doesn't answer my question! Who are you and what's your business here?" I quickly shout back.

"The names Yan, and I only want entry." the man says with a serious face.

'Yan? What type of stupid name is that.' I thought to myself.

As I lower my defensive position, I respond back."The entry fees 2 Copper coins, but I'll make it 3 for scaring me!"

After my sudden declaration, the man looks at me with a confused face while tilting his head.

"Getting---city costs--" he whispers.

"What was that?" I respond.

After a couple seconds and what seems to me like I said the most confusing line in history, the man finally looks back at me with a serious face. All of a sudden his eyes start to glow a golden color like the sun was hidden within them.

'Huh? What was I doing again?' I thought to myself while looking at the forest in front of me.

Monster King Treant POV, 30 minutes earlier ---

'Ha. I knew it was a good idea to let those mercenaries live.' I thought while chewing the dog in my mouth. Who would have thought such a small incident would make warriors think twice about crossing my forest. I look down at my bark that's harder than steel while finally swallowing the rest of the wild dog.

"Well, time to stand still and catch some more prey." I say while finally getting back to position. While waiting, I start to think to myself. 'My species rule these forests and I, the Treant King rule them all! I think it's time we finally move beyond our borders and invade the town. Yes, yes then I'll be able to eat as much raw meat as I want! Those damn mercenaries aren't as strong as I, a Ranked C monster, am.'

Suddenly, an unknown presence enters my range of vision. One look and I could tell. This isn't someone I should mess with! My warning signals go off like crazy as the unknown man walks towards me.

'Oh, please...please please please don't tell me he noticed me.' I think to myself as the man is finally 3 feet away from me. While I'm sweating like bullets(not really, he's a tree, so it's just to emphasize how he feels), and thinking this is the end of my unfulfilled life, the unknown man simply keeps walking forward until I can't sense his presence anymore.

'Nope, I'm going to stay right here where I am if that monster is heading over there.' I think while taking back my earlier plans.