"Time-space magic, you say. Can you explain that to me in detail? I've never heard of it."
I said, completely confused. So far, I only know a few magic that exist in this world. Fire, water, earth and wind are the most commonly used by humans. Which originates from the four elemental goddesses, you also have light magic, which is an extremely rare type of magic that some humans are able to use.
The dark magic is a special magic that the demon race once used three hundred years ago in the war; however, the number of humans capable of using it was low. I was recently told about the existence of space magic that has the potential to help me return home, but it wasn't something normally used. At least it's not something you would ever see humans use normally.
"Time magic could be said to be the counterpart of space magic, as both are magics that cannot usually be learned normally by humans, while the four elements of nature were brought by the elemental goddesses. Space and time magic were brought by the god of creation; those are the authority he bestowed on the goddess of time and the Lord of space from long ago, in fact these two magics were the ones that helped in the creation of the universe."
She explained in a fluent tone. I see, make sense that a god was the one who created time and space magic. But still, how amazing would it be to be able to manipulate time? I'd really like to try it if possible, but... can a human even use that kind of magic? While I was pondering such thoughts, Alya accepted the orb.
"We accept your request."
She said, showing a satisfied smile.
"Are you sure?"
I gazed at her curiously, trying to guess her intention.
(Hey, is it possible for me to learn time-space magic through the time orb?)
-I'm not sure, I have a feeling it's going to be useful to you moving forward. While we travel, I will do some investigating to understand the orb a little more, as it's clearly not something that was made by the hands of a human.
Hearing the words coming from Alya, I hummed with a pensive expression; it wasn't made by a human, then, who exactly could have made it. My curiosity was piqued. I turned my attention back to the village chief.
"Can you tell me where exactly you get this orb?"
I inquired curiously. It was strange that something this valuable and out of the ordinary was just lying around some random village.
"It was given to me by the previous chief of this village. My father, unfortunately, I don't know where exactly my father got that orb. Until now, I didn't know its purpose, so I had it as a decoration in my home."
The chief explained.
I see, perhaps the previous chief didn't know the use of the time orb either, or just thought of it as an ornament. I made a look of understanding before opening up my mouth; however, before I could, Alya thanked the village chief instead.
".... I see, thank you. Now, could you tell me where the nine-tailed beast is located?"
Asked Alya. I looked at her curiously to understand her intention. As though she could easily see through my thoughts, she smiled gently before asking.
"Haruto, you want to eliminate the nine-tailed beast, don't you?"
She suddenly asked. Hmm... how did she?
"You want to know how I knew about that? It's obvious, I could easily see you were very interested in that beast."
Alya said her green, emerald eyes glittered mysteriously. Seeing that I sighed quietly, I guess it's no use hiding things from her. She nodded her head before showing a smile filled with pride.
"Yes, I want to get rid of that beast. I can't just let something so dangerous run free, right?"
I said, rubbing the back of my head a bit shyly.
"In that case, chief. Would it be satisfying if we eliminated that beast that has been causing so much trouble for you as compensation for accepting the orb you have given us?"
Asked Alya. Ah, I see, she probably didn't want us to stop any further on our journey towards the Kingdom of Albanian, so she wanted to use this as a way to compensate for the orb. Indeed, escorting the entire village would definitely hinder our travel and would be even further from reaching our destination.
I look silently at the chief, awaiting his response.
"Hmmm... yes indeed, it would definitely be enough of a reward to compensate for the orb."
The chief replied in a humbled tone.
"Good, it's decided then, we will execute that beast, and free you all from your shackles."
Alya said, her tone filled with satisfaction, as the corners of her mouth were upturned into a faint smile.
"Wait!"
A loud, soft melodic voice sounded. I subconsciously turned my head to the voice's owner, a beautiful girl who seemed to be roughly 18 years old, with long pink coloured hair and darker pink coloured eyes were standing there.
"Is there something wrong, Lady Alice?"
I asked curiously. Though I can somewhat understand the concern on her face.
"Of course, there is something wrong! That beast is really dangerous. I know both you and Lady Alya are strong, but?"
"There is no need to worry about us, you know. We'll easily make mincemeat out of that beast."
Alya said in a casual tone. Her eyes were filled with the utmost confidence.
"As she said, don't worry about us. I'm confident we can win."
I replied with a smile.
"In that case, I'll come too."
She said with a determined look on her face. The villagers who remained inside the room looked at Alice incredulously. Alya also looked at her blankly before her expression eventually turned into suspicion.
"Hey, Alice, could it be that you were actually serious about offering yourself to Haruto?"
Alya's voice took on a tone that would easily intimidate anyone who heard it. Many of the Villagers took a step back, sensing the pressure oozing from Alya, who was gazing at Alice, as though she could see her very soul.
"Ha-Haruo..."
Alice said with teary eyes, seeking my help. Cough, cough. I also took a step back, choosing not to interfere in the matter between the two women.
In the end, the crying Alice was dragged out of the room by Alya, who had an intimidating atmosphere around her. I could only wish Alice the best of luck in my mind.
With that being out of the way, I once again turned my attention to the chief.
"We would like to leave first thing in the morning. Could you allow us to lodge in this village until then?"
I asked, keeping a faint smile on my face.
"Of course, although our village may not be appropriate to lodge both you and your friend, we will make sure you are both treated well during your stay here."
The chief said, bowing his head respectfully. The other villagers also lowered their heads in perfect synchronisation. Seeing that I couldn't help but laugh awkwardly.
We continued our talk until late into the night, until we ultimately decided to end our discussion.
***
"So, this is the house we're staying at?"
Alya asked, gazing at the old house which stood tall despite its old appearance.
"Yes, I know it's not perfect, we'll have to be thankful for what we get."
I said before opening up the door. The door opened up with a creaking sound. Alya then turned on the lights lit by the artefacts hanging on the walls. However, the artefact glowed before it went out.
"Sigh, of course it's not working."
She muttered before taking off one of the crystals attached to her light blue dress. The silver crystal glowed, completely illuminating the entire room.
The illumination showed us a small room with only a small amount of furniture. A small kitchen connected to the door on the right side of the hallway. And a bathroom right next to the entrance.
"Hmm... you know, I was always curious about those stones attached to your dress. Could you tell me what they are?"
I inquired curiously.
"These stones are called spirit stones. They are used to store spiriurim; these are the only ones I currently have in my possession."
Alya informed.
"... I see, when will I get something like that?"
"Humph, these stones are extremely rare. You know, there's not something one can find easily inside the human world. They are abundant inside the spirit world."
She explained.
"What Kind of place is the spirit world exactly?"
"Think of it as a spiritual world, where only spiritual beings can enter. And even if someone with a physical body entered it, their body would be replaced with a spiritual one instead."
She further explained.
"I see, do you think I can go there someday?"
I asked, intrigued. About the spirit world.
"Yes! I think it would be great for you to see our world; I'll definitely take you there someday. I, along with the other three monarchs, am the ruler of that realm."
Alya said, unusually enthusiastically. Seeing that I couldn't help but laugh somewhat amused.
"Okay, it's a promise, but before that, we need to solve our current problems."
I said my expression became slightly serious.
"Yes, we should get some sleep since we will be leaving early tomorrow."
Alya said as she fell onto the bed. I then lay down on the sofa placed inside the room.
"Huh? What are you doing? It's fine if we sleep together on the same bed, you know?"
Alya said poutingly. Ignoring her, I silently closed my eyes.
***
On top of a mountain illuminated by the moon, a woman with long waist silver hair stood there, her eyes as red as blood. The woman gazed blankly at the moon. Suddenly, her fair white thigh became covered with white silver fur. Her pupil slit vertically. And her beautiful white teeth became fangs.
Her beautiful womanly appearance became that of a wild beast. A beautiful silver fox with nine long tails could be seen standing there; the area where she stood became frozen in ice.
ROAR~
The cries of her howl echoed through the surrounding, scaring many of the wild beasts living in the vicinity.