[h2]Blighted Woods[/h2]
With everyone in agreement to go back, the party made their way through the woods the way they had come. Soon the research station was in sight again, and as they approached another scientist noticed them and ran over.

"You're back! Our equipment's not picking up any more Exbeasts, so great job!" he said, before pointing them towards a central bunker building. "Our telepad is in there; I'll go ahead and operate the Restoration function too!" He pulled a tablet from his coat pocket and began typing away, but before they headed towards the bunker Hayato raised a hand. 

"I have a question, sir. What exactly is this station researching?"

"Ah!" said the scientist, excited that they had taken an interest. "Well, as you probably know Excaledvol hasn't been explored very much yet. But for the most part, the plants and water and overall geology are very similar, almost identical in some aspects, to Earth's! We're here to take samples of said geology and biology too, and study them. We've actually made some very interesting findings about some of the species here already."

"I see..." Hayato said. "But I don't suppose you see a lot of people, then? You haven't seen any AcadeMMO students besides us?"

"Not recently, no." said the scientist. Hayato's face suddenly perked up. "We do send the school requests for assistance every once in a while. But you're the first since the new semester only started yesterday, of course."

"Have...have you seen someone who looks a bit like me, except with a scar across his nose and a different hair style?" Hayato asked excitedly, leaning forward so that the scientist could see his features. The man raised an eyebrow, but looked at him closely for a moment with a hum of concentration.

"Mmm...No, I'm sorry. I can't say I have." Hayato was crestfallen. 

"Ah...oh well, then. Thanks anyway. And let us know again if you need more help."

When the group stepped back onto the telepad, this time the magic runes and lights glowed green for a moment. Their HP and MP was restored in a flash, the healing magic spreading through them like warmth from a fireplace. Then, once the coordinates for the school were set, they disappeared. The scientist waved farewell, then went back to his studies.

Out in the woods, a boot crunched down on the remains of a Twig Blight, the hem of a cloak billowing around it.

"So this confirms it." said one voice, a male. "They're trying to use our own power against us. If we want those busybodies gone, we'll have to bring out something that kids like that can't handle."

Another voice responded from a small, purple sphere that floated in the air near the hooded figure. It was somewhat similar to the Sprites used by AcadeMMO, and its voice had the same mechanical twinge, though it was obviously female.

"Those children were inexperienced. No doubt they have stronger heroes available to them."

"True..." The hooded figure looked around at the remains of the Blights. "I suppose I'll have to do some thinking on this one..." With that, the figure turned and began to walk away, soon disappearing into the depths of the forest...
[h2]Fire Rat Extermination[/h2]
The Fire Rat Taeion attacked only barely managed to leap out of the way, sliding when it landed on all fours in the oil. The other two, however, took aim and unleashed a dual Fireball spell at him. The oil all around instantly began to ignite, only adding to the growing power of the conflagration magic as the two projectiles rushed towards Taeion.

The dockworkers around him ran and dove for cover, the idea of a hose completely forgotten. The fire continued to spread over the docks, and the oil continued to ooze from now melting containers...if it got into the water, not only would the fire spread further, but it would be a major eco-hazard...