My Demonic Farm: A Progression Fantasy LitRPG

By the 21st day of their expedition, the students had already discovered a natural hot spring nestled deep within the forest, a hidden gem that was easy to miss unless one ventured close. The spring was naturally divided by a barrier of large boulders, creating separate bathing areas for the boys and girls.

This serendipitous discovery provided a much-needed respite from the rigors of their expedition, and both groups eagerly took advantage of the soothing waters.

The girls' side of the hot spring was shielded from view by the boulder barrier, allowing them privacy as they relaxed in the steamy water. The natural rock formations formed a secluded enclave where they could unwind without concern.

On the opposite side, the boys enjoyed their own soak, the steam rising around them and mingling with the crisp air of the forest.

Violet chose not to enter the water. Instead, she stationed herself atop a higher boulder at the border between the two sides, keeping watch to ensure that the boys respected their privacy. Beside her, Lorian sat on a lower rock, not as duty-bound as Violet but supportive in maintaining the boundary.

As they sat there, others couldn’t help but give them looks from time to time.

Some of the boys gave Lorian jealous glances, envious of his proximity to their beautiful leader. As time passed, Felix emerged from the water, his upper body bare except for his boxer shorts. His well-defined muscles were clearly visible, indicating his consciousness about fitness and the effort he put into maintaining his physique.

As the young man attempted to climb onto the boulder to join Violet and Lorian, Violet’s hand began to form a small Inferno Wheel. Felix, misinterpreting her actions, gave her a puzzled look. “Hey Miss, I don’t really want you to help dry me with the heat…” he said, half-joking.

“That’s not for that, idiot,” Violet retorted with a sharp tone, clearly annoyed. “Stay outside of the boundary of girl’s side, or you will be burnt. Wasn’t I clear before?”

“Oh that… but Lorian is also here, so why can’t I be?” Felix asked, his tone laced with hurt as if he felt unjustly treated.

“He is not a pervert like you all… so don’t compare yourself with him. Now back off before I lose my patience and let this go,” Violet warned sternly, causing Felix to hastily retreat. Unfortunately, his retreat was too abrupt, and he tumbled back into the water with a loud splash.

Garrick, who had been watching from the water, couldn’t help but laugh at Felix’s misfortune. However, Felix quickly resurfaced, attempting to salvage his pride in a teasing tone. “I may have only fallen into the water, but it seems our leader has fallen for that elven boy…”

As soon as he said that, the heat near him intensified suddenly, and Felix, feeling the temperature spike, took an involuntary dive back into the water. Behind him, the Inferno Wheel struck the spot he had just vacated, though it was smaller in size than it could have been.

“It’s too hot, it’s too hot…” Felix muttered under his breath, deciding then and there not to tease Violet ever again in his life.

Meanwhile, Lorian remained silent, observing the situation. He could see a faint pink glow on the girl’s cheeks. Violet, realizing her emotional slip, quickly looked away, ending the conversation and focusing her gaze elsewhere.

By noon, both groups had finished their rejuvenating soak in the hot springs. The boys and girls dressed in the same clothes they had worn on the first day, now clean since they had washed them and let them dry in the forest while enjoying the hot steam.

Typically, Lorian and Violet helped each group by placing their clothes outside to dry, ensuring that no one had to emerge from the water half-dressed.

Returning to the camp after the refreshing hot spring break, Lorian made his way to his tent, hoping to catch up with his brother Theo. However, upon entering, he found the tent empty except for a cloth bag about two feet in size and a neatly folded piece of paper lying next to it.

Curiosity piqued, Lorian inspected the bag's contents and discovered an assortment of mysterious items: radiant crimson pearls that seemed to pulse with an inner light, and various mysterious items.

Among these items were small, round pods with glossy surfaces, resembling tiny, perfectly spherical marbles. Another set looked like blackberries but with unusual red caps. There were also delicate flowers with silvery petals that shimmered faintly in the dim light of the tent, and several small, spiky balls covered in thorns.

Setting the intriguing items aside, Lorian picked up the letter. The handwriting was familiar. As he read through the contents, his expression shifted from curiosity to concern. By the end, his face had hardened. Then, he carefully folded the letter, tucked it into his pocket for safekeeping, and placed the bag aside. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he lay down and closed his eyes, attempting to rest despite the thoughts swirling in his mind.

Later that evening, as the group gathered around the campfire for their meal, the mood was lighter, filled with conversation and laughter.

“It’s already the twenty-first day, and there’s still no sign of the other sections,” Violet remarked, trying to steer the conversation towards their ongoing expedition.

“We’ll head out to the eastern mountain tomorrow,” Elara added. “That’s the only place we haven’t searched yet, but it’s far, so we might have to stay there and camp out, which means it’ll take time to return.”

"Well, at least today wasn't all bad," Garrick chuckled, glancing at his best friend. "Who knew Felix's chatterbox skills could nearly get him roasted alive?"

A wave of laughter erupted from the group, Felix’s face turning a shade redder as he shot a mock-glare at his classmates. “Very funny,” he retorted.

His words only fueled more laughter, but it was the kind of banter that kept their spirits high amidst the uncertainty and challenges of the expedition.

“Hello, fellow schoolmates,” echoed a voice, magically amplified by mana, which immediately cut through their merriment. “It’s nice to see you all having fun in the wild.”

As they turned toward the source of the sound, they saw a young man standing where the forest met the beach. He was a bit taller than Violet, who was the tallest among the girls in their group. He bore an appearance that commanded attention—neck-length blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and a face that radiated a regal charm.

Except for Lorian, whose elven lineage lent him a distinct handsomeness, and Theo, who wasn’t present, the other boys seemed rather ordinary compared to the newcomer.

“Who is this joker?” Violet asked in sharp voice, glaring at the blonde-haired guy with fierce eyes.

“The joker is none other than Prince Julian, attending Class 1-B this year,” Felix muttered under his breath, not quite hiding his annoyance.

The blonde-haired young man continued with a soft smile, the corners of his lips turning up slightly. “Should I apologize for interrupting your little celebration?” he asked, his expression feigning hurt as if he truly regretted his intrusion.

The members of Section A remained silent, offering no response to his theatrical politeness.

Julian’s gaze then drifted towards Elara, and a spark of recognition—or perhaps something more—flashed in his eyes. “Oh, fortunate indeed, even the elven princess graces us with her presence today…”

Garrick stepped forward, “You’re not allowed to enter another's home territory before sunset, or you will be disqualified.”

Julian’s smile turned wider, as if he found Garrick’s words amusing. “I believed I would be welcomed here with open hearts, but it seems you all don’t want me here, throwing rules at me to keep me away. Very well, I shall wait for sunset…”

The students exchanged puzzled looks at his audacity. Kevin, unable to keep his thoughts to himself, whispered to Felix, “We are more in number; why are we fearing him?”

Felix bonked him on the head lightly in exasperation and chided him quietly, “Can’t you see them hiding behind the trees and bushes?”

As Kevin redirected his gaze, the reality of their situation became clear. Though Julian stood alone in the foreground, several figures were strategically positioned behind trees and in the underbrush, effectively surrounding them in a well-coordinated formation.

They soon grasped that Julian’s solitary appearance was just a facade; he had come with large group, turning his visit into a clear threat rather than a friendly interruption.