" 'Tis the witchbeast kingdom of Lugunica, yeah. I understand why everyone calls this place so. These critters keep jumping left and right as if they'll own the land."
Bang!
Zarestia smashed the group of Wolgarm surrounding them. Unlike her understanding voice, her actions were dripping with violence.
".... You should make use of your other elements besides wind too." Orsted recommended, finding that Zarestia was idling her mastery over her fire, earth and water.
Though her reasoning was apparent in his eyes, Orsted still hoped for her to grow stronger.
To Zarestia, 'Wind' was the symbol of her freedom. And making use of it was her way of proclaiming her freedom over everything.
Zarestia's 'wind' was more than a symbolism in her eyes, it was her way of living. Even Orsted couldn't change her favourability towards it easily.
"Hm-hm! I will try using the techniques you taught me the next time." Zarestia huffed her chest in reassurance, her confidence high as ever.
It has been a few hours since they abandoned the carriage. Travelling without holding back, they were almost at their destination - the tree of flugel.
Since crossing Pristella, Zarestia hadn't got a chance to carry out her usual hunting. Hence, she went for this group of witchbeast, the moment she sensed their presence.
While traveling towards Lugunica from Kararagi, Orsted was approached by many kinds of merchants. Though he rejected most of them, he still accepted a few which paid lavishly and were easy to complete.
Even without using his intuition, Orsted was aware that both Kararagi and Lugunica were keeping an eye on his movement. It wouldn't be surprising if they already knew where he was heading.
'The royal family of Lugunica should be alive and well at this point. So travelling through the border went without any hitch. Unlike in the future, where Lugunica had almost closed themselves from the other nations...' Orsted contemplated while getting ready to move.
It was already evening and turning dark fast.
"Tia, remember to not kill the person we are going to meet, if they do attack us in any nature." Orsted ordered Zarestia while flying.
"I got it, I got it. Definitely no problem." Zarestia waved her hands confidently to reassure Orsted.
Even after reaching this point, Orsted's intuition didn't warn him of any danger - so he couldn't help but be a little optimistic about this special quest too.
After a few minutes, both Orsted and Zarestia were able to see the huge tree at the end of their visions. It stood with a majestic presence, casting out a huge shadow from the setting sun.
Focusing slightly, with his sharp eyes, Orsted was able to see someone waiting below the tree immediately.
'So he is already here, how diligent.' Taking the lead, Orsted flew before the familiar figure calmly.
The air froze for a second as Zarestia landed beside Orsted, however it was a passing tense moment.
Soon, the man opposite them spread his hands in a welcoming manner.
"Oh my, oh my. I have heard of your heroic tale in Kararagi, Mister Orsted. And of course, it's a pleasure to meet a great spirit such as yourself, Miss Zarestia." Roswaal bowed slowly and smiled brightly.
A normal person would at least be uncomfortable looking at Orsted, who had his right chin covered in dragon scales - but Roswaal seemed unbothered by it. He spoke normally, instead of his sing-song voice too.
"If you are here, am I to consider you have come looking for an alliance? Ah, my mistake, I am Roswaal L. Mathers - the current lord of house Mathers." Roswaal continued with a relaxed voice, his heterochromatic eyes staring at Orsted closely.
He appeared to be in his early twenties, but it would be a mistake to judge him through it. His real soul's age was around 400 years old.
"That's right, however before that, I want you to tell me exactly what's written in your gospel about me." Orsted spoke in a rather hoarse voice, not willingly though - as the dragonification increased, his voice grew deeper automatically.
"I understand. According to the gospel, you are my second option to fulfill my dearest wish. If I am able to satisfy your demands, you will grant it - is what my gospel told me." Roswaal spoke with a serious face, like this was the most important moment of his life.
"Is that all?" Orsted frowned, feeling there might be more.
"Though, I don't understand absolutely. Mister Orsted is not affected by the foreigner who would appear in this land soon, possessing the power to change fate." Roswaal held his breath in silence after speaking.
'Is he speaking about 'return by death'? I didn't know the tome of wisdom already told him about the time-leaping ability that Subaru possessed. Wait, system, will I not get affected by 'return by death'?' Orsted grew curious.
[Yes. Through the [Reincarnation technique] the host's memories will not be affected by the resetting of the world.]
'Is it because I'm not affected by the natural orders of the world? But, I remember that authority can still affect me...' Orsted lost himself in thought.
"I accept the alliance, Roswaal. So you will do anything I want in exchange for helping you revive Echidna, am I right?" Orsted inquired calmly.
There was a high chance Roswaal was hiding something, seeing how he behaved as if Orsted already knew everything about him. Speaking about his wish without any hesitation.
However, these facts weren't enough to stop Orsted from joining hands with Roswaal.
"I will try to the best of my abilities." Roswaal bowed with a deep smile, the bright shine in his eyes was unhidden.
[The special quest has been completed! The rewards can be collected any moment.]
[The chain quest has been activated.]
Though a little hesitant, Orsted didn't mind helping in Echidna's revival, once his strength was absolute.
"I want you to declare to the kingdom of Lugunica that I'm your teacher, let's say magic master." Orsted demanded with a calm voice.
There was no way he would let a chance to gain dragon points slip by. Roswaal was considered as the strongest court magician of Lugunica, being his master would increase Orsted's prestige instantly.
"I understand, Master Orsted." Roswaal replied with a smile, kneeling directly without hesitation.
"..."