Jai couldn’t shake off the last words spoken by Ryuwen who told him to be careful. It’s been three days since that day but he was still thinking about it. It was just simple words that meant well for him. It meant looking out for one another and was good. However, he felt that there was something else in his tone that Jai couldn’t put his finger on. He wondered whether he felt that way because Ryuwen was a stranger, but the others were also stranger to him before yet he didn't feel very curious about them.
He put the cleaned milk containers in front of the barn door and looked around to see if there’s anything else he could work on. The cows were already eating the hay prepared for them. The chickens were pecking around near the field, eating the corn kernels strewn about by Farmer Mac. The farmer himself was happily singing near the field while watering the crops, close to the chickens.
The sight made him smile. This world might be full o
Jai arrived in front of Doctor Prime’s office, or clinic, as it actually called, around eleven in the morning. He was greeted by the housewives that were hanging around together at the small kiosk in the alley, making him blush before he rigidly entered the clinic. There were a few patients in the lobby, three people. But Elena assured him that they’re there for check-up, so it wouldn’t take a long time. Though Jai still had to wait for one and a half hour for all of them to go, and Elena paused the following queue because it’s lunch time. The newly two clients that came after him either had to leave and come back in one hour or wait by the lobby. They chose to come back later.Elena left to buy them lunch and he was left with Doctor Prime in the break room. It was the door before the room where the doctor works on his patients, and inside, there was a small kitchen, couches, a stairs to the second floor that served as the doctor’s living quarter
When he departed to Heruba by lizard mount, he wasn’t expecting anything more than a middle aged woman agreeing with him to come with him. But what he got was the opposite of that and even a straightforward refusal to the face.He should’ve really asked Doctor Prime about the physician’s personality before leaving, because then, he might have a chance to think of how to approach the woman or at least, be prepared for any of her personality that he would soon encounter.He arrived in Heruba with positive energy and positive reaction from the villagers. Heruba was actually a very nice village. It was full of green, had fields with many varieties of herbs and cabbage looking plants, and houses with small farms around them. Each house in Heruba, when he observed, had at least two or three kinds of crops growing in front of or the side of the house. The crops were either tomatoes, corns, strawberries, or grapes. In essence, they were small plants that coul
Jai looked at the physician’s dark brown eyes and thought his words carefully. He tried to be calm. “Look. My friend is in trouble. She’s inflicted with the Ice Fairy Disease.”The second he mentioned about the disease, the physician’s face turned sour. She frowned and her eyes casted down, as if trying to remember that familiar name. But she didn’t actually need to remember it, because she knew perfectly well what kind of disease that is. She just didn’t believe that she’s hearing someone having it again after almost a decade not hearing anything about it.Jai noticed the slight change in her expression and he continued. “If she doesn’t get her cure soon, I don’t know what will happen.”Yusa turned her attention to him again. “I told you. People die. You just have to deal with it.”“But you’re a physician, another name for a doctor. You can’t expect me o
Jai stared at the clear river water gradually turning into murky water ahead of him. His eyes narrowed as he could see silhouettes of many kinds lurking around under the shades of the trees. Imaginatively, he could see yellow exclamation points floating around his head at the probability of going inside the woods, warning him from going there. But in actuality, he knew he had to go there.“So… What was the monster’s name again?” Jai asked.The physician stopped behind him. Crossing her arms on her breast, she said. “Man Eater.”“And what does it look like?” Jai asked again.The physician glanced at him. “Never seen a man eater before?”“You should be able to conclude the answer based from my question alone,” Jai answered without looking back at her. From his tone alone, it was flat enough that it was passable as being sarcastic. It didn’t nerve the physician at all thoug
Jai ran, splashing on puddles and passing through bushes and trees. He didn’t have time to see how much mud he had gotten on his soles or how dirty his clothes had become, nor did he care for any of that at the moment. The only thing he was thinking right now was remembering the route he had just taken, so that he could lure these creatures out of the forest.He looked back to the man eaters chasing him, finding them not running as fast as he had thought. It made him stop to turn his body fully at their direction, waiting for them to catch up at him. But then the one in the front stopped and shot its many many tentacles to the front, jutting it out instantly towards Jai. The action was so sudden and fast that Jai didn’t have the time to react. But fortunately, the tentacles missed him and planted themselves to the tree next to him. it surprised him so much that he looked next to him with wide eyes.The tentacles bit into the tree and stayed still for a few
Grandma Ranna and Tia were already waiting at the grocery store when Jai and Physician Yusa arrived. A pitcher of fresh tomato juice was prepared for the two for their hard work."How was it? Did you manage to beat a Man Eater?" the elderly woman asked as she offered each of them a glass of juice.Jai smiled and nodded before taking the glass. "Yes. But only three of them," Jai said apologetically.His answer surprised both the elder woman and Tia. "You beat three Man Eaters? Aren't they dangerous?"Jai shook his head lightly. "No," before he drank his juice.Grandma Ranna and Tia both looked at each other. Their faces both showed surprise and doubts. The elderly turned to the physician. "Yusa, how are you two able to beat three Man Eaters so fast?"Physician Yusa who was being silent since the moment they arrived, finally looked up to them. "He beat them on his own."This brought full surprise to the two yet again. They looked toward
Jai smiled at the two who leaned on him in joy. Then the grandma released him. "We have to share this news to everyone! We got our savior to visit us today!"Jai's eyebrows rose and he shook his head. "Wait what? No-"The elder slapped his arm lightly. "Oh we have to give you something, don't we? Those toads were so awful to us and the Man Eaters had also hurt Tia's mother."Jai looked at the little girl. "Your mother was hurt by them?"Tia smiled and nodded. "Yes. She was out harvesting some berries with Auntie Yusa when they suddenly got attacked. Physician Yusa saved my mother, but she was hurt."Jai looked at the physician. "Is that why you want me to kill them?"The physician looked Jai back in the eyes, now looking slightly guilty that he had turn Jai away. "Yes. Dalma is my best friend, and I took their action with hatred. Sorry for making you do my bidding."Jai looked solemn for a few seconds. Humming, he replied. "Well, it c
Jai didn't know how happy the doctor was when he took Yusa to Doctor Prime. The two chatted for a bit, catching up where they had left off, and immediately get to work. Since the medicine would take some time to prepare, the doctor told him to go home and wait for the news. He was happy that soon, Miria would have her actual medicine and treatment, and she would get better.But since the sun was still high, Jai figured he'll give his friend's mom a visit. He had not visited her in a few weeks, unlike how she had requested him before to visit them every week. Well, he met Darrion almost every day, but it wouldn't be the same. And also, maybe he could help her with things around the house that she might need a man's help.Jai crossed the West Main Road and entered one of the alleys. He could've used the road from the small square where Diggle's Smith was located as he usually did, but he decided to walk a different route this time to familiarize himself with the turf. Be
Jai felt something wrapped around his stomach from behind. He immediately looked down to his waist, spotting two smaller sized hands coiling on his waist.‘A kid, obviously. But who is it?’ Jai wondered. This was a baby shower event, so he wasn’t feeling weird if children attend too. The question is, who is this kid?He tried to turn around to look at the hugger, but the kid was hugging him tight. It wouldn’t be hard to push it, but he was reluctant because it’s a kid. He knew there’s nothing he could do but ask.“Oh? Hello? Is there anything you need?” Jai asked with a friendly tone.He could hear giggles, but the kid didn’t answer his question.“Oh are we playing guess?” Jai asked.More giggles.“It’s a boy.” Someone whispered from his left side. A familiar voice yet he could not name.“Hey!” The boy protested.But from that tone alone, Jai could already figure out who it is. So he said. “Hello, Ruta-kun.”The kid let him go and Jai could finally turn around. True, it was Ruta. The
On the day when the baby shower was held, Jai arrived at the place with Baji.The venue is in a mansion in the North Town. Jai hadn’t been in that certain neighbourhood, but he finally understood that the North Town is the place for the riches, and the neighbourhood they were in is probably among the richest. The mansion building is tall, and the garden is so wide. There’s a medium sized pond with two gazebos on the side, and then there’s also a small orchard on the right side of the mansion.Baji leaned in to whisper something. “The party is in the back garden. And keep your mouth shut, please. You’re a famous guy and I don’t want you looking stupid.” Then he leaned back.Jai immediately closed his unconsciously parted lips and recited the plan. He couldn’t, of course, confront an important figure of a clan in a crowded venue. So Baji and Gilbert had made a plan to help him talk alone with Fuuji Fu in the venue. He just have to make sure he could deal with the ‘fans’, though he hoped
It isn’t a doubt that Cynthia was reluctant to share that information with Harris because Jai was there. So Jai proposed to the brunette to re-visit the place later in the day to ask about it.Baji was there when they returned, and Jai immediately told him about the findings he got also to consult about the Fiery Lotus.Baji crossed his arms on his chest and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s fortunate that a promising lead is finally here. We’re sorry for the late initiative from our part. We should’ve worked harder.”He didn’t think that he would receive an apology from Baji. But it showed that the man is a responsible person. Jai shook his head. “It’s alright. From the start, it was already a scavenger hunt. But do you know anything about either of those?”Baji fixed his seating before he explained. “Well about the Chief of Fuuji, he’s a strict person on males. He’s nice to females, and he’s really into babies. There’s only one male person he had shown his friendly side to in public,
“So uhh, this person whom you mentioned before with Tsubasa is a very important person. And you want to ask him about Alex?” Darrion asked when they were in the carriage, heading back.Jai narrowed his eyes. “Why aren’t you being straightforward?”“I’m a bit tired from today. There are so many deliveries like yesterday. But ahh… I’m more tired in trying to understand what they say.” Darrion said with nervous smile.Jai forgot that his friend is not adept in Shouha language, it must be hard to work without understanding what anyone is saying.“Sorry.” Jai apologized.Darrion nodded. “It’s fine. Let’s just stick to no name for now, if possible. I… Can’t really erect a barrier right now.”“Sure.” Jai nodded. “The… Family, you know, told me about him. Saying that he is the first person we can ask about Alex. But he has a very high standing, as you’ve listened to me and the father talked about him, so it won’t be easy to talk to him.”“I see. So that’s why you go to them. They can be consi
"Sorry if it's too much of me to ask." Jai said."Oh no, no. It's fine. But my mother is not at home though, is that alright?" Yuta asked as he turned to Jai and Darrion behind him."It's alright. It's very sudden after all." Jai said."Alright then. Would tea be alright?" Yuta asked."Yes. It's fine. Thank you." Jai answered.Fu Fuuji is the head chief of one of the notorious Ten Guardian Clans, the Fuuji clan. After leaving the Komatsu’s residence, he was thinking about how to get in touch with this person. And the Akamine clan is the first thing that came into Jai’s mind.While they don’t really owe him a favor, this family is the closest connection that he has to the Fuuji clan, because they’re also one of the Ten Guardian Clans.Also, he knew that it’s not guaranteed that he would get an audience with Fu Fuuji through the Akamine. There’s a possibility that they are enemies with each other. But he would at least try to ask. So here they were, in the Akamine clan’s residence.Yuta
Returning to the present.“Little Sparks. Fiery Lotus. What the hell are those?” Jai asked as they left the compound.“Quiet down. You’re gonna get us killed for that.” Claude remindedJai turned around and talked in slight whisper. “If it’s associated with the Queen, that means it’s very private. In the North Town, in a community place like thing. It doesn’t ring any bells from the previous search. Do you know anything about it?”He saw an empty horse mount coming in their direction and waved it.The mount stopped in front of them and they immediately climbed in the carriage. “Southeast Windlet Post Office.” He told the horse mount driver.Weaving the air barrier thicker, Claude replied. “I don’t. I’m a hunter, not a mercenary. How do you suppose I know these things?”Jai smiled shortly with a shrug. “Maybe? Ah… But this is a major progress in the case. At least we know he’s not dead, and it will take more effort to rescue him now.” Jai smiled.Claude stared at Jai suspiciously. “Why
They were led to a corridor which have several doors across from each other. Alex immediately knew they are resting rooms, because he could see a bed from one of the opened doors.One of the committees, the previous guy who shot the Cloud Viewing Rune in the ceremony, pulled his hood down, showing his blonde hair. Then he turned around while the other committees went past him, leaving him to deal with the new freshmen batch.“Good morning. My name is Liam. I am one of the guild members and I am one of the supervisors of the freshmen. Well, not really supervisor, but I’m the one they put in charge to look after you when the super seniors are out. Like right now. Oh and umm, I’m not alone. I have my friends with me to look after you. So please don’t do anything rash, because we outpower you by a lot. And we prefer not to hit you, because you’re a potential junior. Please be nice to each other, okay?”Alex didn’t really pay attention. He stopped listening when he uttered the fourth sente
That morning on the day when Jai went to the Komatsu’s house, Alex had already settled in ‘the place’.He wasn’t familiar with the kingdom, as such, he didn’t know where he was taken to.And since he was late, he was grouped with those who were also late. Many eyes stared at him when he entered the room—it was an average room with beds—reserved only for those who arrived late.Apparently, those who arrived first had attended the ceremony and the first phase—and those who were late had to attend on their own. But they would be gathered together after that, and he would be able to meet his roommate. That was what Master Fu said yesterday when he dropped him off. But the old man wasn’t lying.He went through a sleepless night—because there were many others here that he didn’t know and he wasn’t keen on getting surprise attacked in the middle of his sleep. But the night went by uneventfully, fortunately.He and the others were given a tray of scone and tea to start the day. He didn’t eat
“Don’t. Test. Me.”Jai’s eyes glowed brighter for a second as he emphasized the last words.The civilians, of course flinched at his threat. All of them knew him as a humble and righteous young man. Always smiling and looked very kind. They never knew this side of him. That’s why they were very surprised. The Kizuato group wasn’t included though, they were there exactly to prevent Jai doing what he planned to do.Akane, who had have enough of her parents’ plan, stood up.“Akane-chan!” Rio tried to stop her, but she went anyway and spoke.But instead of retaliating at the guest in their house like the rest of her family, she was looking at her mother instead. “Just tell him, mother!”Rio frowned deep at her. “What are you saying, Akane?”Akane gritted her teeth. “Just tell him!! If you tell him, no one will be hurt!”Rio shut her mouth and swallowed, but she didn’t say anything.Akane looked at her mother with bewildered expression. “If you don’t, then I will.” She turned to Jai. But