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The cold was just around the corner, and summer was coming to an end. The trees blanketed the path with their leaves, and the dense forests looked like they were turning into something resembling a forest full of Master Kerls—bald, but still full of life.
Our journey began earlier than I expected. I knew they said we had to leave as soon as possible, but the moment we arrived at the room, everything was neatly arranged and ready for departure—even our private belongings. That Master Naoka must've done it without permission… he might've even checked our stuff, looking for something.
Along the way, we encountered some rather fierce beasts. And I say "rather" because, after facing so many dangers, our bodies had grown used to threats far worse than a few hungry animals.
—It's strange that these beasts are attacking us. They normally don't even come near the roads since that takes them out of their zone. Even if they did, they wouldn't attack —said Terimaru, analyzing the surroundings.
—Then we should get to the next town as soon as possible. Something unusual might be going on, and we're stuck in the middle of it just for being on this road —said Master Kerl. His tone remained calm, but he wore a confident smile.
—I'm not worried. We're stronger than those beasts, and we have a Master with us. You'll protect us, right? —I said with a teasing grin.
—In any case, the next town isn't far, and there's still time to get there before nightfall —said Terimaru.
—We should hurry—not because of the night, but because something might be happening that we can help with —replied Aethen.
—It's good that you're eager to help, but we can't stray from our duty —said Darel.
Looks like they're ignoring me.
—Let's keep walking. No need to stand here and talk about it —said Master Kerl.
And with that, we resumed our path, leaving behind a trail of beasts slain by our hands. That should calm the rest… and feed us for a few hours.
That should calm the rest of the beasts… and give us some food for a few hours.
—I feel like you're all ignoring me. And honestly, I don't think it's wise to ignore your handsome and charismatic friend… Right, Keia? —I said with a mischievous grin, turning to her with a smile and my eyes closed.
—I guess… maybe your jokes help warm up the cold air a bit —she replied.
—Aren't you being a little too soft on him? —asked Aethen.
—She's allowed to be soft with me if you idiots are going to ignore me —I said, wrapping my arm around Keia.
She instantly looked panicked, her face turning bright red—almost like she was about to explode.
—Wh-what do you think you're doing, you brainless moron?! —she screamed, pushing me so hard I slammed into a large tree, leaving a dent behind my back.
Everyone burst into laughter. The master, seeing our little drama, sighed. Then his usual enormous smile returned, along with that boastful pose he always did.
—HAHAHAHA! You kids… without you, I'd still be stuck in useless thoughts. You're amazing —he said, helping me up from the tree.
—Agh… where the hell did she get that strength? And she didn't even use Lysae, Sout —I muttered, groaning in pain.
After that, we kept walking without much interaction. The only exception was Keia, who let me lean on her shoulder while we talked.
—When will you stop being such an idiot and taking people off guard? —she asked.
—I'm not catching anyone off guard. I only did it to you, jade eyes —I replied, looking away.
I don't know why, but being with her makes me feel a lot calmer.
—Hey… can I ask you something? —she whispered near my ear.
—What is it? Asking for permission to ask a question is a bit much —I said.
—Do you know what it feels like to be in love? —she asked.
I looked at her, surprised. Her question left me speechless for a few seconds. Then I answered...
—I don't really know. I've never fallen in love with anyone. I've only had time to train and get stronger. But… someone makes me feel like I don't belong. I'm not sure if that counts as love.
She didn't respond. She just kept walking beside me in silence, while the cold around us started to feel a little less bitter.
Aethen kept glancing at us from time to time. There was something frustrated in his eyes—barely noticeable, but definitely there.
After about thirty minutes of walking, we finally caught sight of the next town's gate in the distance.
—Took you long enough. Terimaru said we were close, but his sense of distance must be broken —I said, shooting him a playful look.
—We were close, Miki. You're the one who slowed us down with your nonsense —he shot back, the smug bastard.
—Are you trying to pick a fight again? Think you can beat me now, Terimaru? —I said, raising my fist at him. —And by the way, what the hell does Miki even mean? You've been calling me that ever since I beat you in that match. Are you mocking me in your language or something?
—No, I'm not mocking you, Miki. It means "Brother" in my language. It's how we refer to our younger siblings —he answered.
—Younger? Do you not see I'm taller than you? —I said, narrowing my eyes.
—But I'm older than you… idiot Miki —he replied with a grin and a teasing tone.
Off to the side, Aethen adjusted his pace just slightly behind us. He wasn't smiling.
He didn't say a word—but the quiet tension in his eyes told a whole story.
As soon as we reached the gate, we were stopped abruptly. The guards pointed out that outsiders weren't welcome due to some recent incidents. But the moment we showed them the badges given to us by Master Naoka, they let us through without any trouble.
Master Kerl stayed behind to speak with the guard, but… now that I think about it, those badges we were given… it's almost like Master Naoka already knew what was going on. As if he knew exactly when and where we'd need them.
—The guard told me a few interesting things about what happened. Let's find a place to stay and I'll fill you in —said Master Kerl.
—Master, I know a good inn. They always welcome my family when we pass through here. We visit often, since my grandfather loves one of the food stalls nearby. Though, now that I think about it, I don't think he came just for that... He also used to observe the area, do some trading, maybe even handle political business —Terimaru added.
—Sounds convenient. That way we won't need to worry about our belongings or being robbed. Alright, let's go there and I'll update you —the master said with a big smile.
As we walked, I took in the scenery. Everything was colorful. The houses were made of wood, with roofs shaped like waves, beautifully curved and eye-catching. In front of each home stood a tiger statue—each one different, as if they symbolized something unique to that household.
When we arrived at the inn, we were warmly received. Some people began to talk to us, but I didn't understand a single word. Only Master Kerl and Terimaru could respond; the rest of us were completely lost in that strange language.
(In Shunkaku tongue):
—You must remove your footwear outside! Do not enter with dirty feet! —a woman shouted, pointing to our shoes.
—Don't worry, ma'am. They're not familiar with our customs. They don't understand the language. I'll explain it to them —Terimaru told her gently.
Then he turned to us:
—She says we have to take off our footwear and wash our feet in that pond before entering. It's a Shunkaku tradition.
So we did as instructed. We removed our shoes and washed our feet. That's when I noticed Keia's feet… they were really small, her toes and nails carefully kept and elegant.
"Wow... such beautiful feet. I actually feel a little embarrassed showing off my own—big and worn from all the training…" I thought to myself.
Once we finished washing our feet, we went upstairs with Master Kerl, Terimaru, and two people who seemed to be showing us the rooms where we'd be staying.
After we found out which rooms we were assigned to, we entered one, and Master Kerl began explaining the details of his conversation with the guard.
—It seems a land dragon has settled on one of the slopes near Tiger Mountain, to the northwest of here. I believe Naoka already knew about it. Looking through my belongings, I found that he left us valuable items, like currency for exchange. He probably meant to help us indirectly with the journey… and I suppose he also wants us to take care of that dragon. Its presence is pushing beasts toward the southwest, crossing paths and even reaching this very place.
—Do you think it's wise to stop now, master? With the mission and time breathing down our necks? —asked Darel.
—Yes. We were told the trip would take a month, but the truth is, it'll be more like twenty days or less. I think my grandfather planned for us to take care of some of his "problems" along the way —answered Terimaru.
—I see. So… your grandfather's using us as indirect mercenaries? —Aethen said, his expression flat.
—Master Naoka's always been like this. That's why I came prepared for detours of his making —Kerl replied—. The problem is, we can't just ignore this… and he knows it. There are too many lives at stake. We're a powerful group —we can handle this without even breaking a sweat.
—I want to find Aderas and make him pay… but I can't just ignore the people here. I'm in —I said, clenching my fist with resolve.
—We've been dancing in his hand from the beginning, huh? Whatever. Let's deal with this and move on —Darel added.
—I'll help you with everything I've got —said Keia firmly.
—Good. If most of us agree, then let's not waste any time. Let's go and finish this quickly —Kerl concluded.
With that said, we all stood up and got ready to hunt that land dragon...
It'll be my first time seeing one, and I can't help but feel excited —thrilled by the fight ahead.
This battle... can only make us stronger.
Me? I'm more than ready to face whatever comes next.