After walking leisurely for a few minutes past the tall trees, we arrived at the orphanage which has been our home for the last 17 years. We walked back toward the dining room, I walked in front.
"Len! We're back. " I called out, opening the dining room door.
When we returned, only Len was left alone in the dining room. I thought everyone would be waiting for us to come back, but apparently not. But that was fine, because if the others were still here, the situation might have been more awkward.
"Welcome back. Next time, don't be like that, Ryfa. " Elen greeted. She sat in a chair, finishing the remaining snacks.
"I'm sorry if I made you and the others worry. " Ryfa said softly. Her eyes stared blankly at the floor.
"It's okay, we knew Ray would definitely be able to bring you back. " Elen replied, who for some reason seemed to understand it.
"I-I'll go get ready. Wait for me, Ray. "
Ryfa went to her room to prepare, leaving me and Elen in the dining room.
"O-okay. "
Good grief, what exactly was happening? Usually when we talk, it never becomes like this. Len too, why did she tell me to chase Ryfa, why didn't Onew chase her instead? If it's like this, it seems the others will think we have a romantic relationship, right? Wait, could it be that we've already looked like we had a romantic relationship for a long time?
While I was pondering it, Elen told me to quickly get ready as well.
"Ray, you also quickly get ready, you're going to say goodbye to your teachers first, right. "
"Don't call them teachers just because they taught me a few things when I was little. "
"But they were of great service to you, right. "
"Certainly, that's why I'll say goodbye to them first before I leave. I'll go get my things now. "
"Okay. "
After talking a bit with Elen, I went back to my room and took the bag I'd bring on the journey, not forgetting to double-check if my belongings were in the bag too. After finished, I slung my bag over my shoulder and went outside. Passing through the hallways and stairs that were familiar to my eyes for the last time. Outside, Onew and Elen were already waiting for my departure. Standing accompanied by the warm morning sunlight.
"Where is Ryfa? " I asked, looking around searching for Ryfa's presence.
"She's not finished yet. " Onew answered.
Ryfa isn't finished yet? How much longer is she going to make me wait?
"Why are you guys waiting for us? " I asked in confusion.
"You think we'd just let you go just like that? Of course we're going to see you off. " Onew answered while shaking his head in disbelief.
"As for me, I want to give you some advice. " Elen added.
"What is it? " I asked, blinking my eyes in wonder.
"Wherever you are, help someone you think is in trouble in your own way, and don't let yourself hate yourself if you fail. And be careful... the outside world is different from here. Step is only a small part of the world. When you go out, you will encounter various new things, be it culture, language, knowledge, or new things that are unique or mysterious. " Elen raised her index finger. "But make no mistake, not every new thing you encounter is a good thing. In fact, you might meet people who are deviant. Don't be fooled by this world, okay? What looks good isn't necessarily good, and what looks bad isn't necessarily bad. " Elen said seriously.
I had never seen her make such an expression throughout my life at the orphanage. If she was that serious... the outside world might indeed not be as beautiful as expected.
"Alright, but what do you mean by don't let yourself hate yourself? Also, what do you mean by 'what looks good isn't necessarily good, and what looks bad isn't necessarily bad'? " I tilted my head slightly and began to scratch my head which wasn't itchy, but rather out of confusion.
"For that, you'll know if you experience a failure that might drive you mad. But as for the latter, you'll know when you see it with your own eyes. " Elen answered with a friendly smile.
"Huh? "
"I also want to say something, Ray. " Onew said, clearing his throat and continuing. "Because Ryfa is waiting for you here. Don't you dare forget that promise of yours. " Onew approached and pointed at me with his index finger.
"Of course, I won't forget the promise I made. Wait... how did you know that, Onew!! "
"Then that's good. " Onew said with a thin smile. For some reason... I felt a bit strange with that smile.
"Hey! Answer my question first!! " I shouted in annoyance. On the other hand, Onew stood tall in his butler-like stance.
Seeing them act like this made me realize how sincerely they looked after the children here. They were like my true parents compared to the parents who gave birth to me then just abandoned me. Because they were the ones who raised me, someone who didn't even have a blood relation at all, with full care and patience. Truly, they have done so much for me. No, for all the children in the orphanage.
"Thank you Len, Onew. Without you guys, maybe I wouldn't be able to become the person I am now. Once again, thank you for everything. " I said with a wide smile.
"No need to thank us, that is indeed our duty. " Elen replied.
A moment later, the sound of a door was heard from behind. When I turned around, Ryfa approached me. "Hey Ray, let's go. " Ryfa said, who was already standing beside me.
"Why did you take so long? " I asked, looking cynically at the woman who had accompanied me since I was small.
"Wellll, there was something I had to prepare. " Ryfa scratched her cheek with her index finger, acting awkwardly.
"Hahhh let's go, see you again Len, Onew. "
"Yes. " Onew replied, followed by Elen saying, "May safety always be with you, Ray. " waving her hand toward us. Onew just watched us and stood in his noble butler stance.
After saying our farewells, Ryfa and I went to visit Mr. Gill. He was the one who taught me how to process hunted food, the basics of cooking, and also some ways to make potions. We arrived there just as he was preparing to open the shop.
"Morning Mr. Gill, how are you? " I said, followed by Ryfa "Morning Boss. "
Mr. Gill, who was arranging chairs outside, was confused by our arrival. Dressed in a chef's uniform with a red apron as usual. "What's this? It's unusual for you two to come here before the restaurant opens. Especially holding hands. " Gill replied, looking at the two of us in turn.
"Well, in short, various things happened and I'm going out to adventure. "
"Huh? Just to go adventuring out you need Ryfa to walk you? "
"Of course not just adventuring like usual, Sir, I'm leaving this town. "
"Wait, what? Hey, hey, are you sure? And that crazy butler allowed you?? " Mr. Gill asked, looking at me in disbelief.
"Although he intimidated me at first, in the end he allowed me. "
"If he allowed you... so be it, be careful, okay? You'll come back, right? "
"Of course, thank you for everything, Sir. " I bowed. Just as I had done before.
"Take it easy, but don't forget to keep practicing using that, okay? It will help you a lot. " Mr. Gill replied with a wide smile.
"Alright, then we'll be going now. I have to say goodbye to the others. "
"See you later, Boss, we're leaving now. " Ryfa said, then we went to say goodbye to the next person.
Next was Mr. Beek, the person who taught me about magist, magic, and dungeons, he could be called my magist teacher. Although I'm not very proficient in magic because my magist capacity is in the ordinary category. A person's magist capacity affects their output and control of magic. He works as a librarian at the city library. Despite that, Mr. Beek's body was the opposite of librarians in general, who tend to be weak in physical strength. But he...
"Good morning, Mr. Beek. " Ryfa and I said together. To a man with long brown hair, in a neat uniform with a white shirt and long black pants. The white shirt he wore looked tight because of the many bulging muscles. Mr. Beek was arranging books on the shelf with a four-legged wooden ladder.
Hearing us, he looked down and saw us with a flat face. "Good morning to you both. Is there anything I can help you with? " Mr. Beek replied, then turned back to the bookshelf, continuing his work.
"I'm going to adventure outside, Sir, thank you for everything. " I said, bowing as before.
"Yes, you're welcome. If you want, take a few books, Ray. " Mr. Beek replied, still focused on the bookshelf.
"No need, Sir, we have to say goodbye to Mr. Dovin so excuse us. " I said, then we walked out but suddenly Mr. Beek called us.
"No, wait. You have to take something. " Mr. Beek said, taking something from the top shelf and throwing it to me. "Take that, it will be useful for you. "
I caught the book. The book I caught had a black cover with the title 'Intermediate to Advanced Magist and Magic. ' "Didn't you once say that I can only cast enchantment magic and some basic magic? "
"Never mind, just take it and read it if you have time. It will be useful, trust your teacher on this. "
"Alright, I will. Thank you once again. " I replied, then put the book into my bag. After that, we went to Mr. Dovin's house located on the southeast side of the city.
And finally there was Mr. Dovin, the person who taught me martial arts techniques, hunting techniques, and knowledge about animals, monsters, and plants that live in the forest. Also some ways to handle poison.
When we got there, Mr. Dovin was skinning our catch from yesterday.
"Morning Sir! How are you? "
"Busy as usual. Especially since you're leaving, my work will double as a result. " Mr. Dovin replied, turning toward us and wiping his hands with a cloth.
"Blame yourself for giving that answer, Sir. "
"Well, it seems so. But isn't it too sudden for you to leave now? "
"It can't be helped, Sir. I have to find them as soon as possible. "
"Is that even possible? The only clue you have is that pendant you often carry, right? "
"Yes... it is indeed only that. "
"Good grief, you haven't changed at all since then, Ray. So confident even without preparation. Ryfa added.
"Don't worry, I'll find a clue later. "
"Well, whatever. So Ray, as a farewell. " Mr. Dovin walked closer, and took a dagger lying on the table. "Want to fight for the last time? " Mr. Dovin asked, skillfully spinning the dagger in his right hand.
"Don't joke, Sir, if I'm beaten black and blue by you here, how am I supposed to get through that forest? "
"Hahaha, you're right. "
"We'll fight again later when I come back here. I'll defeat you, so just wait. "
"It's 1,000 years too early if you want to defeat me. "
"Alright, you are indeed strong, Sir, I'm going now. Thank you for everything. " I said bowing as before.
"Take it easy, Ray. You've also helped me a lot. "
"My help is nothing yet, Sir. "
"Yeah, whatever you say. Be careful, Ray, it might not be easy to get through it. But fight on, remember everything we experienced in that forest. "
"Yes, I know, besides I already have a plan for that. "
"Alright then, good luck. "
"Thank you, I'm leaving now, Sir. See you again another time. " I bowed my head for a moment, then headed south with Ryfa by my side.
Without them, maybe I'd just be a foolish kid who couldn't survive in this vast world. I will make use of the knowledge they taught for my journey.
===
After finishing the visits to Mr. Gill, Mr. Beek, and Mr. Dovin. Three people who are just as mysterious as Onew. Why do I call them mysterious? The reason is simple, they have strengths that I think are quite strange. First, Onew, I once saw him cutting pieces of firewood that were still quite large into several neat small pieces with his bare hands. Second, Mr. Gill, he is the chef at his restaurant. But he doesn't cook from a fire coming from a magic stone or wood. Instead, he produces the fire himself, the heat of which can be adjusted at will. I think that's quite strange, especially with one of his habits of always being excited about explosions or related things. Third, Mr. Beek, even though he is a librarian, I once saw him crush a large rock blocking a mine with his bare hands. Then pull out an adult tree planted around the library with his bare hands too. How does a librarian have strength like that? The last is Mr. Dovin, when I fought him he always emitted a terrifying aura. He always attacked me with a strong killing intent. Even when hunting, he easily defeated high-rank wild animals. Even though he is a professional hunter with a wealth of experience, still, defeating several high-rank wild animals alone is impossible.
Putting aside the strange powers of those four people. Ryfa and I walked toward the south gate of Step Town. For some reason, the atmosphere felt awkward, and I couldn't start a conversation. Ryfa also seemed to want to be quiet, even though usually she was the most talkative among us.
"Hey you two, where are you going? " a guard said. Holding a sharp spear in his right hand perpendicular to the sky.
Upon arriving at the gate, there was a guard who greeted us. He was Gefi, Mr. Dovin's son. He became a knight here two years ago, and now he guards the south gate.
"I'm going out, Ryfa is just seeing me off. " I replied, glancing toward Ryfa.
"Wait, you're leaving? Going hunting doesn't need Ryfa to see you off, does it? And where is my father? " Gefi asked in confusion, looking at the two of us in turn.
"What I mean by going out is leaving this place, adventuring into the outside world I've never seen. " I said flatly, looking toward the tall trees that almost surrounded the entire city.
"Huh? " Gefi's eyes widened looking at me with blinking eyes, then looked toward the trees. "You want to go out there? Are you sure you can get through that deadly forest? You know for yourself this town has become quiet because no one dares to pass through that forest. " Gefi asked, raising his index finger toward the forest.
The forest Gefi meant was the Steis Forest. A forest that, so to speak, shuts Step off from the outside world. Also one of the four most dangerous and deadly forests on this continent. Steis Forest is very famous for the threats that always come from the silence. Steis Forest is home to wild and fierce animals such as ground bears, forest deer, and toxic wolves. However, there are also harmless animals such as cure birds, scout birds, and other animals that eat seeds and herbal plants. But, for me who has often hunted in that forest, it's not a big problem. Because Steis Forest is the place that has always been my hunting ground with Mr. Dovin. Although I haven't gone too deep, I'm already used to that forest.
"I've often hunted in that forest, I've even slept in the forest while out hunting. Why should I be afraid of passing through it? " I replied, shaking my head slightly, in disbelief. Even though he has often seen me go in and out of the forest, why was he still asking about it?
"Hahahahahaha alright, but you know the way to the next town or village, right? "
"I already have a map of this continent so it's no problem. "
"A map? Where did you get it? " Gefi asked curiously.
"From Onew, but it seems... it's a map from 20 years ago. " I said, holding my chin. Recalling the shape of the map I carried in my bag.
"20 years, huh? Well, maybe there haven't been any changes, but if there are, well, that's your fate. May safety be with you. " Gefi said while patting my shoulder.
"Thank you, and Ryfa. Let's part ways here. It's too dangerous if you see me off all the way to the edge of the forest. " I said looking at Ryfa who was standing beside me.
"Alright, but... don't forget your promise, okay? Then take this. " Ryfa said, reaching her right hand toward me. A bracelet composed of wooden beads and stones, with diverse textures and colors. Between those beads were arranged rectangular brown wooden beads. A mimosa flower was carved in the center of those beads.
I took it, and wore it on my right hand. "Don't worry, I'll send a letter once I reach the next city. See you again, Ryfa. "
"See you again, Ray. " she replied with a deep gaze.
"I'm going now Gefi, see you. " I said while patting Gefi's armor.
"Alright. Don't lower your guard before you're out of the forest, Ray. "
"Yes, don't worry. " I looked at Ryfa once more, our eyes met. We exchanged smiles, then I turned and started walking toward the forest.
Halfway there I looked back, finding Ryfa still looking at me under the shadow of the tall and majestic city fortress gate. I didn't know if she was crying or not, but... I wanted her not to cry over someone like me. After a few minutes of staring at her, I resumed my journey.
When I reached the forest full of tall, large, and leafy trees, I started climbing trees to avoid monsters. Even so, I had to remain vigilant because sometimes there were poisonous snakes living in the trees or wild animals that ruled the sky.
For some reason, the forest felt very quiet now. Although that didn't mean a safe quiet, the quiet I meant was waiting for prey to appear. That is what quiet means in this forest; monsters hide behind bushes or the shadows of trees so that quiet is created. When prey shows itself, that is when they immediately take action. Coming out from their hiding places and instantly catching or incapacitating their prey. Silent but deadly, one could say that is the natural character of this forest. After reaching the top of a sturdy tree branch, I started jumping from one tree to another, like a nimble squirrel leaping around looking for food. It might sound a bit strange but that is what I was doing. Well, even though I was only making short jumps. The distance between trees here could be said to be quite close, especially with tree branches branching here and there, blocking most of the ground from sunlight.
===
After several hours of walking, I sat leaning against one large tree, took water from inside the bag and drank a few gulps. After wetting my already dry throat, I put the drinking water back in the bag and sat leaning back looking up.
I saw a green color among the leaves moving as if pecking a twig. "What is that? " I said, narrowing my eyes. "Hey hey, isn't that a scout bird! " My eyes sparkled when I finally realized what that moving green color was.
I saw a scout bird perched on one of the tree twigs. A scout bird is a type of bird that lives in the Steis Forest. This bird is famous for its ability to share the vision it sees with the person who tames it. With green on its body and bluish-green on its head, it makes it very suitable for spying from the sky or trees. However, of course it's not an easy thing to be able to tame it. Because this bird usually always lands in hard-to-reach places, or in hidden spots. Since an opportunity like this doesn't come twice, it seems I could try to tame the bird by giving it seeds. When the bird is no longer wary of me, I can immediately give a bit of my magist to the bird. Without realizing it, a solid plan was already written in my head.
I approached the bird slowly, holding out a hand full of seeds toward it. The bird turned toward me, walking away.
"Come on, don't be afraid. These are delicious seeds. " I said, slightly moving my left hand filled with seeds.
'Ciiik '
After a while of continuing to act friendly, finally the bird approached and started pecking at the seeds I brought.
Thinking this was the right time, I pointed my right hand with fingers close together toward it. Channeling the magist circulating within myself, directing it to center in the palm of my hand. I could use magist energy because I was trained and taught by Mr. Beek. When I felt the centered magist was enough, I converted it into a magic circle that appeared on my palm with the power of thought. Magist flows in the bodies of all creatures even though the capacity varies, and it takes a lot of knowledge and practice to be able to use magist as the basis for magic. I indeed can use magic, but only at an ordinary level. Like magic to change elements into arrows, reinforcement magic, and other ordinary magic. {Cast taming magic ; Tame scout bird} I said to activate the weak-glowing white magic circle on my palm.
This is the first time I've tried taming a wild animal... Hopefully this works.
A magic circle of the same size and color as the one on my palm appeared above the bird. Emitting small white particles. Those particles disappeared instantly as they landed on the scout bird's body. 'cikcikcik ' the magic circle disappeared quickly, the scout bird looked right and left.
The first attempt failed, I think I have to increase the magist energy I output. Time for a second attempt, I hope this will work.
I repeated it in the same way as before, but increased the weight of the magist I output. The second attempt ended in failure. The third as well. I kept repeating it until finally on the seventh attempt, I succeeded. {Cast taming magic ; Tame scout bird! } the process was almost the same as the previous attempts. The difference was the circle that previously disappeared, now floated closer to its body slowly accompanied by the same small white particles.
'ciiiikciiiik ' the scout bird was now looking at me, and its circle seemed to enter through its body.
Suddenly a small circular symbol with a crossed rope mark inside appeared on the scout bird's green, leaf-like body. Does this mean I've successfully tamed it?
I swallowed hard hesitantly, then decided to call it. "Hey. "
Suddenly the bird turned toward me and started approaching. 'ciiik '
"I've tamed you, haven't I? " I asked a bit hesitantly. Touching the bird with my index finger a few times.
It didn't flee, but rather flew and perched on my shoulder 'ciiik '
"Do you want to have a name? " I asked while stroking the scout bird's head with three fingers.
'ciiikciiikciiik '
"Alright, your name is hmmm wait a second... " A name, huh, hmmm is giving it a random name okay? No, I'd better not name it randomly. I held my chin and started thinking of every name I thought was SUITABLE for this green one.
After a few moments of thinking hard, I finally found a name I thought was good and suitable! "Right, your name is Save. How is it, do you like it? "
'Ciikciik ' Save chirped, flying above my head then pecking me a few times.
"Hey, what's with that reaction? that's a good name, you know!! " I snapped in annoyance.
The sky had already turned a dark orange, and the sun was almost sinking behind the trees by the time I successfully tamed Save. I decided to rest now and continue the journey tomorrow, because at night wild animals become more active and some ghosts start wandering. I didn't know what was meant by ghosts in this forest, actually. Because I only heard about it from the townspeople and Mr. Dovin. But, who cares? Being cautious is better for me. Also, outputting magist with full concentration made me exhausted, especially since my magist capacity is quite small. I tied my body to one of the branches with a rope, so that when I fell asleep I wouldn't fall. Then rested my body on the rough tree branch, waiting for tomorrow to continue the journey.