Frau led me to the building she found in the forest.
The stone building is covered with ivy and is surrounded by several trees.
It was also surrounded by an outer wall, making it look like some kind of fortress.
We jumped over the wall and walked into the building.
"Gurr?"
Inside the wall was a large number of monsters inhabiting the place.
They seemed to have turned this building into their nest.
"So what do you think? Can we use this place as a base while we do our research?"
"I guess so, the real problem is getting inside."
The entrance to the building is unguarded, but locked
I pulled out a wire.
"Will you be able to open it?"
"Hmm... Yes, it's open."
I picked the lock again thanks to my skills.
I quickly open the door.
Hmm, the inside is simpler than I thought.
"Kyui."
Frau and Panda take a look inside.
The inside of the building was empty and devoid of any objects.
At least it's not a ruin.
I got the impression that it was relatively new.
I opened the door and looked into each room, but there is still nothing.
"I've already checked everywhere."
"Did you find anything?"
"No, the place is completely empty."
Now that we're sure it's safe, we decide to head back to the beach.
"So this is our base! I'm about to cry with joy! Vice Captain, you should write this down in the research diary! It was all thanks to Toru-Dono!"
"Yes, my lady."
"After all, Toru-Dono is the hero. Hueeh?! That tree shook! Are you sure it's not a demon?"
"Luvue-Sama, that was just the wind."
I guess she's a bit jumpy.
Right now the group is bringing in the supplies.
In a few days, the base will be fully habitable.
"Toru-Dono, I want to talk to you."
Unusually, I am approached by Luvue.
Judging by the serious look on her face, I guess it's related to the mission.
"To put it bluntly, I would like to ask you to have the Manyu Brigade help us level up. We are in a high level area, and I don't think we can defend ourselves on our own should something happen."
"I was thinking the same thing. We'll start tomorrow."
"I'm very grateful to you, Toru-Dono."
We shook hands and Luvue snorted excitedly.
She immediately turned to the vice-captain.
"I have shaken Toru-Dono's hand! Now I will have his child!"
"Luvue-Sama let's be clear, a handshake won't get you pregnant. Who told you that's how pregnancy works?"
The vice-captain fixes his glasses as he speaks.
The next day, with the support of the Manyu Brigade, the investigation and research team began to level up.
It was an easy job; Kaede, Frau, Rosuke and I weakened the monsters, and then the group members would deliver the final blow.
Moreover, thanks to my experience doubling ability and general skills, their growth speed was extraordinarily fast.
"Eeeeh!"
Monica slashes at the enemy with her fine sword.
I thought she was a weak girl, but she turned out to be someone very capable.
Her original level was also high, level 120, and it seems that her level was considered high in general on the continent.
Incidentally, her current level is 320.
She seems to be a type of swordsman who specializes in speed.
"Reaching level 300 in one day is like being in a dream. I've heard that the Forest of Death is a very scary place fro high level beings."
"The Forest of Death?"
"Yes, that's where we are right now. It is also nicknamed 'The Forest of No Return'."
There are several high level areas like this on this continent.
Well, I live on an island, so I'm not too surprised.
However, where I live, seeing high-level monsters is not a very common thing.
"Monica, in your country, is being level 300 considered strong?"
"No, you are considered strong if you are at least level 800."
"Level 800... I see."
"?"
I guess I'm still too strong even in this place.
I may never fight at my full strength again.
As a warrior, it bothers me a bit that I can't take a fight seriously.