The Waamutori was enjoying its time by the bank, looking at the fishes swimming in the riverflow. It snapped its long beak into the water, hoping to catch at least one of them for a snack. But sadly, nothing entered its beak other than water, pieces of water grass, and mud. But it didn’t stop trying. This is what humans should have done with most of their lives rather than just sitting around thinking why everything never works out.
Jai and Darrion was communicating through their eyes as they approached the bird from different directions. Jai had to wait for Darrion to be halfway away from him before stepping out from behind the tree. He knew how wind could become a giveaway of location, and he believed his friend was also trying his best to keep the wind at bay, so he was not going to mess that.
‘I still don’t know what kind of movements that are forbidden in this forest. Is it only running or sudden movements are included? But I hope that won’
It surprised Claude that something was sneaking under his radar and when he finally noticed it, it was already too late to give the boys any signs. The horrifying hound was so fast that he only managed to see it when that wolf leaped right under him when he was leaning on a branch, overseeing his two babies. Fortunately, one of them had managed to run away with that bird monster, but unfortunately, the other one and the one whom he should be protecting, was currently running for his dear life.Claude cursed under his breath and flew ahead, dodging from one tree to another as he tried to keep up with Jai. He knew he would risk himself being trapped by the forest’s rule, but he had no other option if the one he should be protecting was in danger.‘What kind of wolf beast is that? How come I can’t sense it coming?’ Claude wondered furiously.Nothing had ever went past without him knowing. If that wolf can bypass his radar, then that means it&r
“Chicken wing, chicken wing… Hotdog and baloney… Chicken and Macaroni… Chilling with my homie…”Jai suddenly remembered that popular song from the world before. If he remembered it correctly, it was almost December in the previous world’s time when he fell into the river and arrived here. That, and counted from the days that had passed by in this world, it should be last days of December by now there. Time to celebrate Christmas.If he was still in New York, he would spend the time to buy some groceries to make snacks for himself. Most people would be out by Christmas, and he would have to battle with some people to buy cooked food. So he thought it was better to just buy some ingredients and cook for himself. Also, probably a small fake tree to be put in his living room. You know, just to have that little Christmas vibe in his apartment? Also to accompany him from the loneliness that had always haunt him.Yes, Chris
“Do you want me to carry you?” Darisha offered in the middle of their walk.Miria was startled. “Eh?! N-No thank you, Auntie. I-I can still walk,” it was kind of the older woman to offer her, but it just didn’t fit her at all being carried when she can still walk. Although the hot pavement was quite unbearable for her sole, she would not accept that offer to save the older woman’s pride.“Oh who am I kidding?” Darisha muttered, rolling her eyes before stopping and putting off her sandals. “Here, honey, wear these.”“B-But those are your sandals, aren’t they?” Miria said.“It’s fine. Just a few minutes walking to the house, I can hold that much. Come, sweetheart. Don’t be shy,” Darisha said, pointing to the white sandals on the ground and insisted that she wears it.Miria looked hesitant at first, but since she remembered that this kind woman beside
Claude threw two knives at the wolf, aiming for the eyes while Jai shot out his lightning at the head, trying to blind it so that the knives would stick. But due to Jai’s light being too fast and bright, the wolf turned its head to the side in reflex, resulting in the knives to miss and hit its side fur instead. But even that, the knives bounced against the thick fur, unable to penetrate into the flesh. The flash, though, managed to blind it for a few seconds for the two guys asses the wolf’s reaction.“It’s so thick,” Jai watched in concern.“Is it though?” Claude replied, still feeling positive. “We can do some experiments, but sadly, there’s no time. We have to stun it before the forest spirit comes.”“Yeah I know that. Which was why I lamented you bringing knives,” Jai replied, already running back to cross the river.“Hey. This is my weapon of choice. This is what I’m
“What is that creature?!” Jai asked as they ran back to the direction where they came from.“That’s the spirit’s attendant! A fairy!” Claude answered beside him.“Fairy? Aren’t faeries nice creature?” Jai asked. He remembered the tale of fairy from Doctor Prime when he was helping with Miria’s medicine. “Small magical creatures—”“Faeries come in many different forms. I would explain to you about them if we have more time, but all you need to know now is that that thing is a fairy and it’s one of the forest guardian’s underlings,” Claude explained.“Is it coming to punish us for running?” Jai asked.“That’s the only reason it’s here. But it’s still watching us, it’s not approaching us closely yet, so we still have time. But not for long. We have to kill the beast now!” Claude said in all seriousness.
In the darkness, appeared a cloaked figure. It was standing high above, on the canopy of the trees. Nothing could be uncovered from this figure, as it was wearing a black cloak with pointy hood. In the space where the face was supposed to be, there was nothing. Only black, like the darkness in an empty dark room. It was resting its very skinny hand, also dark in color like it was charred by high temperature fire, on the tree it was perching on. That hand that would easily pass a morgue scratched at the bark slightly, as it sighed in annoyance, its voice overlayed by both feminine and masculine voices joined into one.“Failed again… Just who is this boy? He suddenly shows up and helping the boy like that,” the figure said, watching the two guys on the ground who had just fought the demonic beast. The figure felt annoyed that the beast was defeated. He didn’t really think that the guy following his target would be a hassle. “I need to make another
When Darrion let himself fall onto the Waamutori, this wasn’t something he was expecting. He trusted his thunder friend’s saying that it would possibly be similar to taming a dog. Well, maybe he should’ve thought about it once again before agreeing to do what his friend told him to. Also, maybe he should’ve taken his amateur skill in monster taming into account because once again, he had no experience in monster taming at all.He was experienced in talking with people because he’s a windlet. That surely is not the same as talking to a beast!“WOULD YOU CALM DOWN ALREADY YOU FEATHERY BEAST?!! I LEFT MY FRIEND ALONE BECAUSE OF YOU!!!” Darrion shouted angrily at the monster while still clutching onto the base of its neck.The Waamutori squeaked and honked like an abnormal goose while still jumping and running away. It didn’t like the way this hooman just randomly fell on top of it and it didn’t like how the hoom
They were still inside the pitch black space, but they were lit up individually by the faeries’ magic so everyone can see everyone. The three guys were sitting in a small circle, around the two mushroom hatted faeries that were sitting next to each other on a newly grown wide leaf, beside the sleeping black puppy. No one knew yet what kind of puppy it is, but they would be soon.“So… What happened after I left?” Darrion asked. His nose and around his eyes were slightly pink from crying. That showed just how much he had been concerned over his friend.“So, after you left, there’s this giant black wolf that looked horrifying and very vicious,” Jai answered.Darrion’s eyes instantly glanced at the sleeping puppy in front of them. “This little guy is a giant black wolf that looked horrifying and very vicious?” the windlet asked with a hint of sarcasm, repeating the same description his friend had used.
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