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 was brought north, past the Erthas Wall and to the border between the Wind Kingdom dan the Earth Kingdom. Two windlets had brought him along with four adventurers who had accepted the extermination request before Darrion and he came to the Guild.But since Jai's reputation was well known, even among the Adventurers Guild, the day manager asked him to come along with the adventurer. Because apparently, the target was in packs. It's better to fight with more people, as the manager had said. Darrion called one of his co-workers to help fly the group away just in case they need to flee fast. One of the adventurers can fly, so the windlets only need to focus on making three people fly."Would it be rude of me to ask how is that guy able to fly?" Jai asked, looking at one of the adventurers who fly with them."Oh that guy's was once a windlet. But the previous guild chief needed more wind elemers, so our windlet association sent in some windlet resources for them,
"Say, Jai. Is your grandfather a famous elemer in his hometown? Does he have a brotherhood or a school to teach people those moves you have?" Darrion asked as they flew together to the kingdom."Hm?" Jai looked at him. "Why are you suddenly interested?""Well a few days ago, you sliced those lizards good and sent them off. That was the first time I saw you wielding a weapon, and you seem quite skillful with it. It makes me question how skillful you actually are, or that you're secretly a master in disguise," the windlet shared his thought.Instead of answering, he asked. "Are you concerned somehow?""Well~" the windlet looked away for a bit. "Less a concern than a curiosity actually. I mean, we only know you with your thunder and hand-to-hand skills. Even I believe you still have so many tricks up your sleeve with only those. But to add a sword to your arsenal? If word gets out, people will flock over you like flies to rotten meat."Jai tilted his
After half an hour, the doctor came out with Mac."I hope you get well soon," the doctor kindly said to the orange head.Mac clutched the gray pouch in his hand and nodded slightly to the old man. "If I feel off again somehow-""You are more than welcome to come anytime," Doctor Prime nodded.Mac nodded. "Thanks, Doctor," then he turned to Jai and Darrion. "See ya fellas.""Oh, um, Dari, if you're free, can you take this young man back to his flat?" Doctor Prime asked."Sure," Darrion immediately got up. But Mac didn't seem to like it."I still feel okay," Mac protested."Young man, you may be smart enough to hide your sweats from everyone, but not me. Your body is not quite fit for you to walk around today, someone should keep an eye out for you," Doctor Prime said calmly. "Why are you resisting the help?"Mac was pouting and frowning, but he didn't answer the doctor, nor divulging the reason to him or them.But
After Jai came, the chaos in the village was quickly adverted. The slimes were taken out very quickly by Jai, who also managed to shoo the Brazen Oxen away from the farm afterwards.Contrary to what he had thought, the oxen weren't actually hurting anyone. They were just attracted to the farm because of the commotion made by the slimes. When Jai arrived at the farm, he saw the oxen eating the already burnt crops and some other unburnt crops. Farmer Mac and the children were also there, particularly in the barn, but they couldn't do anything to stop the oxen because the slimes were surrounding the barn. Farmer Mac's dog was there by the barn door, guarding them, along with a certain white kitten that seemed badly hurt.Jai took out the remaining slimes easier and he also chased the oxen away after beating them up a little bit. They were just like angry bulls, charging forward without a care in the world once they got their enemy on sight. But that made it even easier fo
Soldiers from the kingdom arrived an hour after the ordeal, and they were somehow not very surprised that the problem was solved fast. At first, they were confused, but when Jai’s name was mentioned repeatedly after they entered the village to see how much the casualty was, their question was answered.Although the sergeant in charge still had to confirm with the chief for the report. Once they had received the exact information, they spread around the village to help with and note the casualty. The houses were not damaged much, but the farm's condition was quite saddening. Almost half of the twelve squares field was burnt and more than half of the crops in the farm were unsalvageable. Although the livestock were unharmed, it saddened the farmer and the villagers that the farm was damaged to the point that they had to replant everything.However, their predicament was heard by the kingdom, and right the next day, some resources were sent by the kingdom to help th
Around a week ago in Shuyen Wall, the border between Fire and Wind…Soldiers were seen patrolling on the wall. It was daytime and the sun was high on the sky, shining on everything below it. Among them was a tall young man. His face and appearance were obscured by his helmet and armor, but his taut form was incomparable from the other soldiers as his left hand held onto the sword sheath. He was walking along the walkway atop the border, sweeping his attention around the side of wall where the Fire Kingdom is located. This was his duty along with multiple other men in this fortress, making sure no one gets in or out without authorization.He turned his body to face the side of Fire and scouted the perimeter. Trees, grass, rocks and streams… These were the usual scenery to everyone in this wall. But the there were some things different. The trees in the Fire’s side were similar to willow, maple, and elm while in the Wind’s side were mostly popul
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