[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-bear-school-astartes":3,"chapter-bear-school-astartes-bear-school-astartes-chapter-1040":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Bear School Astartes",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1620799,2087,"Chapter 1040 - 1022: Dark Forest","bear-school-astartes-chapter-1040",1040,"\u003Cp>The atmosphere in this grove is not friendly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann has been in this world for two days, this is the second grove he has seen, but both groves give off the same feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t tell if this was a common characteristic of the groves in this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grove is large, or rather, it should be called a forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding trees grow densely, the density almost makes one feel suffocated and hard to breathe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The twisting branches grow chaotically, and there is no sign of vibrant biological activity within the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are no bird calls, no sounds of wild beasts, not even the chirping of insects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming out from Tom’s cozy cottage and the tidy lawn, Lann and his companions felt extremely abrupt with this dramatic change in atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even now, Qilin is still somewhat dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But fortunately, Lann was the first to complete his mental adjustment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His nerves started to tense moderately, and his muscles began to heat up under the activation of active nerves, getting into a suitable state for movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His left hand rested on the hilt of the Aron Dite Blade at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rong Buqiu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Demon Hunter cautiously looked around while calling his companion’s name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m here, meow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just after rolling up the small cloak and tucking it into the pack on Qilin’s back, Elu Cat raised a paw and responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Climb up first, look at the sun’s position and the surrounding terrain. We need to figure out where Old Tom has thrown us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rong Buqiu responded swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its breathing suddenly changed, and with its innate nimble cat-like frame, it climbed swiftly onto a nearby twisted tree with the Light Body Breathing Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when Rong Buqiu’s body swiftly entered the upper tree canopy, the wind stirred by its speed rustled a large patch of leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after, a cat’s voice came from the tree canopy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I see the sun, meow! It’s now...wait! Boss! Something is coming from that direction, meow!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the small cat’s view.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Elu Cat is already at the top of a tree’s canopy branches within the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With its racial advantage, Rong Buqiu’s Light Body Skill has reached the level of high-level Lonely Shadow Group members from Iwami Country.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It can stand atop the tips of swaying branches without breaking them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This provides it with excellent visibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the direction of the sun, far away in the dense forest, patches of disturbance appear in the tree canopy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shaking branches caused by collision and tugging form a straight path, rapidly approaching in their direction!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s clear that something huge, or perhaps a large group of creatures, is charging in this direction!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Rong Buqiu uses the Light Body Skill to swiftly descend like a shadow while loudly alerting Lann.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But actually, Lann didn’t need the reminder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the commotion over there was truly significant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann stared in that direction and patted Qilin’s neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ancient Dragon understood; blue electric currents started linking and flashing between its hooves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In unfamiliar territory like this, even if they didn’t want trouble, turning back to retreat could lead them right into something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s better to wait and see what’s crashing through this forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the situation requires them to retreat, the warmed-up Qilin can unleash great speed to take Lann and Rong Buqiu away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elu Cat also leapt down from the tree at this moment, using Lann’s shoulder for leverage before landing on Qilin’s saddle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Thunder Cat Sword, with paw print patterns on the handle, was drawn from its back, ready and facing towards the increasingly noise-filled direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grove and shrubs naturally absorbed sound well, in a dense jungle, you might not hear someone’s shout ten meters away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But nearby, the crackling of snapping tree branches and the rustling of leaves rubbing together has become continuous, somewhat noisy in this otherwise silent forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rong Buqiu stands atop the saddle, holding the Thunder Cat Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann also has his hand on the hilt at his waist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qilin with its head lowered, its khameru horn extending from the magic horse harness facing forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three of them are on alert, and not far ahead, besides the chaotic sounds, the trees and branches in view are already shaking violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere grows sharper, with Lann’s hand having already drawn a small length of blade from the sheath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If at this moment any monster were to charge out of the dense foliage, it would probably be...instantly...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whoosh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something suddenly rushes out of the shivering bushes, but Lann’s eyes first squint slightly, then return to normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t cut out instantly, but rather sidestepped a bit, making some room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several grey shadows in succession leap out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rong Buqiu keeps its sword raised, ready for battle, but its expression freezes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Meow?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because what dashed out from the bushes...was seven or eight large rabbits with grey fur, nearly one meter long!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These rabbits all have harness ropes or similar gear on them, like sled dogs pulling a sleigh, lined up in two rows together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Lann and his companions in the clearing between the trees, Lann caught sight of the leading rabbit’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its expression was human-like, filled with surprise and shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, the leading rabbit took advantage of the space Lann allowed, turning sharply and stopping abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This group of giant rabbits didn’t just line up like sled dogs; they were actually pulling a small cart behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh my heavens! Bambi, did you eat mushrooms and ruin your brain? Don’t stop!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elderly but strong voice came from the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the leading rabbits turned and stopped suddenly, the cart they were pulling got ’whipped’ out of the bushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a crudely but sturdily assembled wooden sled, with a scruffy old man yelling anxiously at the leading rabbit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann’s eyes revealed a realization, questioning why the footsteps sounded so strange; it was because this combination itself was odd enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This elder was unusually scruffy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wore only a brown tattered robe, and Lann couldn’t confirm if it was originally brown or had become brown due to prolonged lack of washing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ragged leather hat adorned his head, revealing graying and knotted hair. He held a wooden magic staff taller than a person, topped with a crystal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on the side of his forehead... was that bird droppings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A white and green plaster-like substance covered a large area of his hair on one side of his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strangely enough, he didn’t emit a strong odor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the wooden sled stabilized after being whipped out by the rabbits, the anxious old man scanned the surroundings and finally saw the three figures standing aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instinctively shrank back, then hurriedly lifted the magic staff in front of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His clouded eyes looked them over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall figure, possibly human. A similarly large stallion exceeding its kin. And a... armored, longsword-wielding cat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scruffy old man blinked, seemingly confused, then rubbed his eyes with the hand holding the magic staff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to doubt whether he had eaten mushrooms and made himself dizzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann also furrowed his brow, cautiously observing the old man before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the communication the previous day, the Demon Hunter had confirmed the existence of a Creator God, the bizarre master of this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calling it the Mythical Era didn’t seem out of place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knows what kind of character this old man racing through the forest with rabbits pulling a sled could be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wizard? Forest God? Sprite?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who are you? How did you come to this dangerous land?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scruffy old man rubbed his eyes, confirmed the three in front weren’t an illusion, and asked in a low, cautious voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the while, the magic staff remained pointed at Lann alertly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An accident,\" Lann explained, raising a hand without approaching. \"We don’t know where this place is; we just took a path and ended up here in a blink.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t worry, we mean no harm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using what could be nearly called innate charisma, Lann was soothing the scruffy old man’s clear vigilance and wariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When faced with such outrageous claims, a listener’s initial response often isn’t disbelief or rebuttal, but shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scruffy old man was just like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could react himself, the leading rabbit pulling the sled stood upright, rhythmically stomping a big foot on the ground with a ’thump-thump’ sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rabbit calls are often not loud, so it used this method to issue a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the leading rabbit’s warning, the scruffy old man snapped back to his previous state—in a nervous rush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is someone chasing you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann asked tentatively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This drew a surprised look from the scruffy old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really don’t know this Dark Forest? What’s chasing me isn’t human!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyway, let’s go! Quick! Giddy up!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gripped the sled’s handle tightly, and the rabbits towing the sled sped away once more under the leader’s guidance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann watched the scruffy old man wave at them, and calmly mounted his horse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Follow him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Demon Hunter patted the Qilin’s neck and spoke gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qilin nodded its head, its hooves swiftly and agilely starting to move!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann and his companions followed behind the rabbit sled from two positions away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And shortly after the Qilin ran out of the forest clearing...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Squeak!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sharp sound, accompanied by the rustling of bodies hitting the branches, came from behind!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with the sharp scraping noises of limbs sliding on tree trunk wood!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lann turned to look, and a large swarm of bats rushed out of the forest! The kind that, with wings spread, can entirely envelop a person’s upper body!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And giant spiders too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spiders as large as Lann himself!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all seemed ravenously hungry, chasing towards them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>```\u003C\u002Fp>",1626,"2026-06-06T10:40:38.499Z",1,"novelbin.me","425257a22d90db0463e3710661722ef918458fc9276bc69acfd5a34dbc1b848a","bear-school-astartes-chapter-980","bear-school-astartes-chapter-1039",1043,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbear-school-astartes-cover.jpg"]