By the time they had done setting up the camp, the forest had become completely black, just as Svemir had said, and no one could even see the faces of those who were standing next to them.

Phew. Thank god ya could use fire magic.

After a simple dinner, the group gathered around the campfire and Svemir expressed his relief.

The most basic spell a magician could execute was producing fire, but as Merc had noted, Svemir was probably not very skilled at using his Mana.

Edin agreed with Svemir as he rubbed his sleepy eyes.

Mr. Svemirs right. All of you have way more experience and are way more skilled than I am. Especially you, Merc. Despite your age youre doing a better job at adulting than me.

Fufu Does it really seem that way?

At Edins serious remark, Merc broke into giggles. That was because she couldnt disclose she was much older than him. Merc wondered how Edin would react if he were to learn the truth.

It does. I assume that Mr. Fol and you are both around 18 and 20, right?

Pff Hahahaha!

Merc couldnt help but laugh when she noticed Edins innocent expression. Both Edin and Svemir were shocked by Mercs actions. But that was only because they were unaware of how badly Edin had actually missed the mark.

He had misjudged both Mercs physical and mental ages. Merc couldnt help laughing since it was so amusing.

Hihihi Can you imagine it, Fol?! You! Twenty! Hahaha!

Youre no 18-year-old either. Come to think of it, how old were you?

Foldia asked. Naturally, he was interested in learning Mercs actual age following her reincarnation.

Although he had intended to bring up the subject during their initial encounter, hed been so overcome with shock that hed entirely forgotten. Merc shrugged her shoulders and spoke.

Im 14.

I see, 14 Wait what? Edin exclaimed.

14? Ya cant be serious! Svemir said, overcome with shock as well.

The math adds up.

Because he took into account the time of Esterts passing, Foldia responded quite calmly.

On the other hand, Svemir and Edin were utterly shocked. They were both looking at Merc from the bottom up, their jaws hanging to the floor.

They probably didnt see much because, unlike Merc, they couldnt see during the night, but they werent able to control themselves.

Is it that hard to believe?

Course it is! Dis means that ya just recently passed the Adventurer Exam! I neva wouldve imagined this!

Mr. Svemirs right. I figured you were young, but not this young. My daughter is close to your age

This time Edin and Svemir both spoke, however, this time a hint of admiration could be seen in their eyes. Svemir in particular was criticizing himself for fantasizing about a 14-year-old. Even for him, a 14-year-old was way too young.

Foldia ended up talking to cheer them up after looking at them both.

For the record, you dont need to worry about me being 14.

What? Well, thats obvious. So, Mr. Fol, how big is the gap between you and Miss Merc?

Hm. Lets say that were about 10 years apart.

I see. Thats what I thought as well. Im glad that I managed to at least get your age right, Mr. Fol.

Haha.

Foldia purposefully chuckled as she saw Edins happy demeanor. Merc, on the other hand, was gazing coldly.

He really does know how to fool people

Foldias statement was true. He and Merc were indeed about 10 years apart. Nevertheless, he had neglected to mention that it was, in fact, Merc that was the older of the two.

However, Merc decided to leave it as it was.

Huh? Then in this case, theres no way you two are dating, right? Edin followed up, thinking that it would be strange for two people to be dating with such a difference.

Dont be like that pal. Age doesnt matter when one is in love. Aint that right?

With a smug and self-assured look, Svemir remarked. He then turned to look at Merc and Foldia as though looking for validation, but Foldia only shrugged and spoke,

Im sorry, I shouldve made this clear right off the bat. Were not dating. Were simply companions that have known each other for a while. I have no such feelings towards her. I can assure you.

Haha. Same thing here. Theres no way Id take him for my lover. I can assure you.

I see. So thats how it is Unconvinced, Edin remarked.

Really? Hmph. I think ya look good together though. Is it because of da age?

Svemir also remarked, not willing to buy it. In response, Merc and Foldia could only chuckle and dismiss the questions.

The discussion went on for a little while longer before eventually coming to an end. Svemir then gave a quick, gentle clap.

Kay then. Its gotten quite dark, so how bout we hit the beds? The first watch will be Missy here, as we discussed earlier. Then its me, and finally, young man, Fol. That okay?

Yes. Merc answered.

No problems here as well. Lets go hit the beds. Merc, you be careful, okay? Foldia said.

Of course.

Merc said as she watched the three men leave the fire. Although Merc had no trouble seeing in the dark, she had mostly kept the fire alive for Svemir and Edin, who lacked the ability. Although the fire was a bit dazzling, everyone would be able to react swiftly if an emergency happened thanks to it.

The Magic Beast would still be aware of the groups presence with or without the fire. Therefore, regardless of the fire, the Magic Beast would attack the group if they so desired. There was no point in worrying about that point as well.

The problem is those bastards spying on us

Merc was fully aware of the entities who were covertly pursuing them because her Mana Scan could almost sweep the entire forest. She was also aware that there were more than just one or two people.

Theyre still laying low. Theyll probably strike when Im by myself.

By comparing their appearances, it was simple to determine who was the weakest member of the group. When the night became a little darker and everyone went to bed save from Merc, the other side would undoubtedly move.

Come and try me then. Youll regret underestimating me.

Cross-legged and leaning back against a tree trunk, Merc thought as she grinned cruelly.