The climate in the Rainforest was rather humid. It was only their first day, and their bodies already felt sticky.
When the students who were reluctant to go saw that their professor had decided to continue, they began to waver. After all, this really was a rare opportunity.
But...
Deep down, they were still afraid.
Who knew what else they might encounter farther ahead?
"Make your own choice. I won't force you, but I hope you understand that plant researchers can't spend their entire lives in the comfort of a laboratory. Especially those who choose fieldwork or specimen collection-these are challenges you'll have to overcome. What you encounter in the future might be even harder than this. So decide for yourselves," the professor said.
"Exactly, that's what I was saying... Look at these cowards. Even this scares them," the stocky young man said again.
"But there's nothing wrong with avoiding danger in time to protect yourself, either. Everyone weighs things differently when trying to keep their lives out of danger." The professor frowned, not entirely agreeing with him.
"Let us know if you're going. Those who aren't can head back with Uncle Jem's son. Stay safe, and don't touch any plants or animals along the way. Understood?"
"If you're going, stand over here with me. If you're not, stand over there." The stocky young man took charge forcefully, pointing to a spot nearby.
Within a few minutes, they had split into two groups. The result surprised the professor.
Seven wanted to go, while only three wanted to turn back.
One of the girls among those three was still terribly conflicted. She wanted to go but couldn't make up her mind, and whenever she tried to join the others, the girl beside her pulled her back.
"Aren't you scared? Let's go