《The Transported Wanderer.》


 Prologue

    Prologue


    My name is Stian and i have been living as a traveler for 3 years writing for magazines and blogs, yet somehow i got myself into this kind of troublesome situation.


    Maybe i should have listen to the words given by the inhabitants who frequently dwell this forest and followed the safer paths.


    But even if i want to complain, in my current situation the only one to blame is me. Yes, it was my decision to venture into this thick forest.


    Even though people warn me not go but yet i didn''t listen.I was careless and is now hopelessly lost in this thick forest without any idea where to go at all.


    And since obviously im not going to venture into a thick forest without any precaution, i prepared my survival kit backpack and all the things i needed to survive. And for once i would  like to thank my paranoid personality for being this careful.


    But in any case, the problem right now is that even with my magnetic compass. I have no way knowing where to go.Because normally i would have bought the map for this forest but since i kinda wanted to explore the most interesting things the forest can offer. I kinda just go fuck it and entered into the unmarked paths.


    I tried retracing my steps and search for the marks i left when i ventured in, but due to the thick vegetation of the forest,i have quickly forgotten where to find those marks. Cursing my own recklessness  and poor ability to locate the marks. I began wandering and followed any signs of  rivers that can be use to pinpoint my location.


    But yet no matter how far i ventured, there were no sounds of river flowing. I also did try climbing the oversize trees but due to them being 63 meters high, i quickly lose my confidence to continue climbing.


    Also trying to know my position using the sun wouldn''t work mainly because the giant trees are blocking most of the Sun''s light. It''s kinda frustrating that even with a compass i can''t do anything. But since it''s better to move, than stay in one place. I started waling forward in  a random direction.


    Walking in the quiet forest, i sigh in my heart. If it weren''t for the fact I''m lost right now, then i would have probably be dazing around enjoying this scenery. After all, being close to nature with trees this big is akin to fantasy. The beautiful flora that twiddled around the overgrown trees were quite something to see and even though it is full of giant trees it has many patches of grass and flowers that rest''s near its roots as it was coexisting with trees.


    As someone who also enjoys taking pictures. I have been taking photo''s of any scenery that looks great. Even since i was young,i have always like taking photographs and since my family have possessed the blood of travelers and adventures. It has been a family tradition to talk discuss our travels and share the scenery''s we have captured when it''s time for a reunion.


    With the family being occasional travelers, everyone of us only have no houses or any land we own. Because with the Villa our great grandfather have accumulated, it served as our home base and most of our personal possessions, trinkets and collections are holed up in the villa. And most of the family''s young ones stay in that villa till they reach the age to go out on their own and find their way into the world of society. But with our boiling urge for travel, most of our family members are either doctors that travels around the world or pioneers on businesses that are mostly handled overseas.


    And as for me, Stian Peregrine, have taken the profession of a Wilderness and Wildlife photographer as my livelihood. And because of such profession that i am now in this dire situation. Even with my 3 years of experience, it is still not enough for me to become a master navigator. After all they always say that experience is the greatest teacher. And because of my lack of experience that i have been lost to this forest of giants.


    With my constant mumbling, i have ignored the change in weather and didn''t notice that rain is pouring.Afraid of getting wet even though with my waterproof and quick drying clothes. I started looking for shelter. Running around, i found a peculiar tree that is noticeably higher than most of the trees and have features that made me stop and take a photo. Seeing that the rain is pouring harder, i quickly stride towards the giant tree and took  a shelter. Peering inside the tree, i noticed that inside the tree and right to the  ground was  a hole that seems to be  a cavern. As my interest was pique and seeing that the rain won''t stop soon, i decided to climb down the hole and see if there was any interesting things to be found.When i entered the hole a scene greeted me that made my heart leap with excitement. Beyond the whole was a cavern full of beautiful flora''s,stone carvings  and something that is likely an altar.


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    I took a few steps towards the altar and took out my Modified Camera and took a shot of the altar and it''s the stone carvings. Looking with the camera''s lens, i zoom in and take more shots of the flora''s growing at the foot of the altar.


    Mesmerize, i put my camera back my Survival backpack front pocket and decided to come closer. Being a step away from the altar, i noticed that on top of the altar, there is some kind of a small tree on top of it. Feeling weird ed out a bit for not noticing the miniature tree, then took a few more steps and look closely at the altar.


    Finally being close enough to fully observe it. I took a glance at the miniature tree and pondered. Firstly the miniature tree have an opposite branching pattern that crosses each other, then looking at the leaves i see 9 leaflets which has edges are smooth and feel toothed when i touch it. Looking even closer, i noticed that the bark of the miniature tree have diamond-shaped ridges. Seeing the diamond shaped ridges, i concluded that the miniature tree in front of me is a variant of an ash tree.


    Seeing that i front of me is a rare variant of ash tree, i quickly took my camera again and took a close shot of the tree. Then taking a step back, i surveyed the cavern again and gasped in amazement again. After all, even with the rain and shade outside. There are still ray of lights shining down the miniature ash tree.


    But when following the ray of light, i squint my eyes as i finally notice the strange writing at the bottom of the miniature tree. Looking at it, i found myself unable to make sense of the writing of the altar. Feeling a bit vexed that i have no deciphering skills. I smoothly trace and touch the written carving when suddenly i felt a prickling pain coming from my trigger finger.


    Seeing blood coming out, i quickly took some cottons on my survival backpack and wipe it gently. Then after wiping it, i took another glance at the carved writing and saw that it was colored in blood. As if, as if the blood spread at the moment and somehow covered it fully.


    Being a bit weird ed out by the strange event. I took a step back and notice that the ground is shaking. Feeling panicked, i calm myself and decided to get out of the cavern.


    Then i stride back to the cavern''s entrance, but before taking another step out of the altar; i felt my body freeze as if there was something binding me. Having fear lurking inside my mind, i tried opening my mouth but found unable to do so. Then suddenly, there was a tingling smell  coming behind my back. Unable to cover my nose. I felt the intoxicating smell finding its way inside my nose and felt my mind go blank as i slowly lost consciousness.


    Hearing the gushing wind,i slowly open my eyes and find myself sitting  on the bottom of the altar and felt my back pressed and leaning on the altar.


    Then remembering the strange happenings before i lost consciousness, i by reflex move my limbs and felt that i am able to move my body now. Then slowly standing up, i take a loot at my surroundings and found that nothings seems to have collapsed during the sudden tremors.


    But taking a glance at the altar, i was surprised to find out that the miniature tree and the carved writing is nowhere to be found. Then suddenly  i felt pain on left hand''s palm and brought it up.


    But what i found in my palm was a image i knew off. It was the ash tree and at the bottom of it was the carved writing.


    Feeling a bit scared, i tried rubbing it off but noticing the im not even grazing it. I realized that it was as if the image of the tree and carving was imprinted in my palm.


    Then, i decided that i have enough and headed out towards the cavern''s entrance and find my way out of this damnable forest.


    Climbing out of the hole, I slowly walking out of the peculiar giant tree that housed the cavern, and decided to leave. But due to the weird light, i covered my eyes and then step out of the tree.


    But yet, i stood still and froze at the spot. I stared at the scenery in front of me that should have been  full of giant oversized trees. But....yet in front of me was no giant trees.


    The ones in front of me now is a view of a dense forest. But, there should be nothing wrong with it.........but there was something that made my heart and whole being freeze.


    In front of me was giant floating islands and flying creatures that only should exist on fairy tales. I then dropped hard on my knees and was left on a stupor.


    Then i asked myself..


    ''''Did i  somehow got transported into a parallel world?''''

 Chapter 1 - I shall wander!

    Chapter 1 - I shall wander


    My name is Stian Peregrine and i have been somehow transported into a parallel world. I said ''somehow''because for now i don''t know if this is an effect of  the strange gas that have made me unconscious early on. By the way i already ministered a medicine from my survival backpack to cure my hallucination, but yet the floating islands and flying creatures doesn''t seem to disappear in front of me.


    Speaking of which, i am currently in top of a humongous tree that is about 91 meters high and  as wide as a concert hall dome. Gazing at the land below has made my throat dry, mainly because of the different plant''s and trees i don''t recognize or feel ''earth''''like. The trees have that fantasy feeling you would see at any modern fantasy these days.


    But enough of that, i turn my mind into the reality that is now. For now i have two conjectures.


    -I have probably taken in a strong hallucinogenic gas and is currently experiencing hallucinations.


    -That somehow i have been transported into a parallel world


    Firstly and obviously, i have turn my  head more into the hallucination part. Though, even with the administered drug that can clear up hallucinations, that drug either didn''t take effect and im still hallucinating. If so, then the one i inhaled during that time i feel  binded must have strong hallucinogenic effects that even a drug that can easily  cure hallucination have no effects at all.


    Secondly, the ''transported into a parallel world'' conjecture is something i have a lot of doubts on. After all something that easily surpass reality, truly cannot happen right? But even so i still added it as a possible conclusion on what is happening because their is still a chance of it.


    I can say ''there is a chance'' is mainly because of the strange things that followed, something even over the top before i inhaled that strange gas.


    First the Mysterious peculiar tree and the whole ''cavern'' was oddly weird and is rare to happen. And even adding to that was the mysterious altar and that miniature tree along with the carved writing.


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    Especially that carved writing where i accidentally pricked my blood and then the blood  covered the whole writing within the second i wipe it off  with a cotton. And adding to that is the miniature tree and the carving is now tattooed in my left palm.


    My heart beat faster at the thought of being transported into a parallel world. It''s something fantastical but even with that, would i even survive here? In a world i don''t know there is a lot to consider.


    First is that will their even humans in this world? Second is, even with there being signs of humans, will i even know their language? Third, is the unknown which i fear even most


    Food and necessities. will i able to survive if this world is a hunt for food type world? And even if there is merchants and shops, where can i get any of their currency? Or is it barter trade?


    And even if there is barter like shop, there would be no way i can give anything to them. After all now that im this situation, my survival backpack is  the ones that can protect me the most.


    As i think more hardly, i feel shivers in the thought of whats gonna happen to me now. But even so....i took a deep breathe and think. With my current state right now, i need to calm down.


    If this is a strong hallucinogenic drug then im fuck. But even so the prospect of a parallel world is more fun to lean on than being asleep somewhere on a state of hallucination.


    Then i stood up, for now there is a need to calm my  heart down. In order to that i took the camera in my left front pocket and then pointed the camera at the floating island and scenery in front of me.


    As i took the pic and look at the camera, there is an image of what i took just now is currently showing on the screen. Then being daze for a moment...i gripped my heart and made a resolve


    ''''Looks  like i have no choice now... Then if this is really a parallel world, then i shall wander!''''


    I made and declare a  resolve, even if this is a delusion or reality...I need to wander and see what this world has to offer. Even if this is delusion or not. I must go , simply because the boiling blood of my ancestors tells me to.

 Chapter 2 - A world of unknown

    Chapter 2- A world of unknown


    Deciding that i would explore this world, i started climbing down  the humongous tree and is currently walking on the tree''s giant branches and overgrown roots. Looking at the giant tree made me think of the tree of legend. The world tree Yggdrasil, seriously though the giant ash tree is beautiful and indescribable. Even there  are giant floating islands  staying afloat in the air. I still find myself admiring the tree that i woke up to.


    But, yet i still wonder. Was there any connection towards this tree and that miniature one i found on that cavern''s altar? Did that tree have anything to do with the current situation i am in? Looking at my marked palm, i stop in my tracks a bit and wondered.


    ''''When i woke up, this mark has been branded on my palm, was it something like magic? Like one of those sudden contracts? Normally,i would be skeptical about magic and things like that. but seeing the floating islands and flying creatures up in the sky.''''


    I can only sigh at my heart. I know nothing about this world or its origins. Even this mark on my palms is something i have no idea off. But at any rate, i need to move on  and get off this giant tree.


    Still halfway through the tree, with a camera in hand,i have been taking photos of the flora''s that grows within the tree. There are many wild plants that i have not seen before and taking a photo of it, is something that i would never miss.


    During the way down, i have took photos of about 24 different types of wild plants and yet there still many types popping down that it seems endless. This land right now is like a goldmine of interesting things.


    In the sky there are about 4 floating islands. The first island was mostly covered with moss and plants. The second island was more akin to just a giant rock. The third one has one growing tree on it and seem particularly lonely looking to look at. The fourth one was something i like more, the island is magnificent with its sparkle as its flowing water pours down the land and forms a stream of crystal clear river.


    I wondered on why such floating island gets its water from, but thinking even further made my head hurt. I mean, its a floating island, an island that seems  free of gravity. How does that even work? Is it like how the sun  and planets work? They revolve around the giant tree maybe?


    Anyway, i seem to be getting nearer towards the base the tree, maybe after arriving there i should  make a makeshift shelter, dig on the ground and make a hole , then rest for the night.


    After doing all the things i mention earlier, i open my survival backpack and open a canned food and started eating the beef on it. Canned food isn''t really that flavorful but i just have to deal with it. Feeling  a bit of stale taste on the canned food, i decided to make a bonfire for the night, then heated up the can to cook it.


    After eating, i started cleaning my utensils and then used the can and  make a flower pot on the spot. I can''t carry these cans with me, so rather than just leaving it behind, i decided to at least plant a flower on it and leave it as reminder if i somehow have to go back here.


    Resting on my sleeping bag, i started staring at the night sky which is littered in stars. This kind of view was impossible to see unless your in a uninhabited place without pollution back on earth. But looking at the clear sky without pollution was mesmerizing.


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    Seeing the stars made me reflect on the day. Today, so many events happen that i can''t even put my finger on where to start. First being lost on a forest. Finding a cavern inside a tree. Discovering an altar and being binded and knock unconscious by a gas. Then suddenly finding myself in a parallel world with floating islands , Humongous trees and skies full of stars. There were even creatures that should only exist on fantasy.


    But yet here i am witnessing them with my own eyes. I have given up whether this a hallucination or not. After all , even if i say that i still have this eerie feeling in my heart. Part of me wants to get out of here already and wake up. But yet a part of me also wants to stay on this world and explore it.


    This situation was like a dream, a good dream. My body feels tired and want to sleep, but i am afraid, that closing my eyes. I would wake up on that cavern  and find it all as a sweet dream.


    But whether this is a dream or not, it will be all decided the moment i open my eyes after sleeping.


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    Feeling the warm wrap of my sleeping bag, i slowly open my eyes......What greeted me was the giant tree that i have arrived  from.


    Sitting still in daze, i feel some kind of assurance. Assurance? i don''t even know why im feeling this. But with this wide new world, i can''t just sit here anymore.


    Washing my face at the nearby pool of water, i took a bath and wash my clothes for a bit and dried it on the sun. Then when my clothes dried, i pulled out my hooded caped coat that i usually use keep my clothes and backpack safe from the rain or wind. Putting the coat on tightly, i then gave farewell to the base of the tree and headed into a random direction


    Walking slowly, i was staring almost everywhere, as i look around curiously at the land before me. There were also signs of wildlife, but because i keep my distance and with my hooded cape coat being adaptable to the surrounding that i have gone notice.


    Then, i entered a forest and walked for almost an hour before seeing the exit. What greeted me after  exiting the forest was a grassland that almost stretches into the distance. Then without wasting any more time, i followed where my feet takes me and continued onward.


    Hours pass, yet im still keep my waling pace and took many shots of the scenery. Flowers and trees that i have not seen before fills my camera. But even if i took more shots, i am not particular worried about using all the memory of my camera when i have still have a box full of 5 Terabyte memory cards. It may look insane having that amount of memory cards. But as paranoid person who worries about everything. I have confidence that my equipment will last till i die. And for that, i would like to thank my great grandfather who have introduce me to a friend of his where i got my equipment.


    Still looking  at the camera, i was surveying the landscape when i notice a type of beast i have never encountered before and prone on the ground to observe. Looking at the bull like beast, i notice that beside the beast there was a figure that resembles........a human..


    I grew excited, and because of that i quickly stand up and prepared myself to make contact with the figure i have spotted.

 Chapter 3 - The Wanderers Hand

    Chapter 3 - The Wanderer''s Hand


    A human figure, firstly because of the distance i can''t see clearly whether it''s a human or not. But this was not the time to be too careful. I have to make a gamble and approach the figure in front of me.


    But as a paranoid man, i can''t help myself and need to have a plan. Stopping for a while, i open the right front pocket of my backpack and pulled my Customized Mini Uzi . Reason why i have 2 types of gun in my holding is simple. Protection. As a photographer there a times when the wild animals comes sneaking at your back or some poachers and illegal loggers who would want to ''''silence'' you. I have learn my lesson once and have to bath my hands in blood to preserve my life.


    Anyway. the other gun is on my boots which is a Customized glock 22. These two guns are ''''customized'''' into my liking so using this weapons are easy. If counting the amount of bullets i have now. Then it would said that i have 2000 bullets in my backpack. Which is 1000 each for my two guns. It may be overdoing it too much, bringing that amount, but as i said. I''m a paranoid man. I rather stay 5 hours discussing with customs and authorities so i can keep these things.


    Moving along, i steadily move towards the human figure and call for attention. The figure seems like it didn''t hear and continued moving along with its bull like companion. Then i got even closer and shouted again to the  figure in front of me. Then the figure stop and turn its head into me. Then with a glance i saw the figure''s face and realize that the figure is a ''''she''''.


    Then i wave to her and  slowly come over while still keeping my Customized UZi in hand. Then when i was in front of her. The woman smiled at me and then said


    ''''How may i help you stranger with....such a eccentric  look?''''


    The woman spoke but yet her words did not make any sense. I was dishearten, with this language barrier things would be problematic on this world.


    ''''Oh my, it seems you have been cursed by the language eater and have your ability to speak have been impended with rubbish. Do you need some assistance?''''


    The woman spoke again as if confuse and look at me with pity. Then as if she was asking a question. But since i didn''t understand any of her words i just silently nodded to her.


    The woman then brought something out of her pocket a decorated stick with a gem on it and pointed at me and starting muttering some eerie words.


    Seeing her actions, i brought my hand tightly to my weapon and aim at her leg. I have no idea what is she doing and stared. But then my eyes widen. Ma....gic? something like that? Or is this some sort of technology in this world?


    Seeing the decorated stick lighten i was left into a daze as the bright green and purple light went into my forehead and cause a severe headache. Seeing my agonized look, the woman in front of me smiled as if she was satisfied.


    Then with a glare i asked ''''What the hell did you do to me!?'''' and slowly pointed my weapon in front of her is makes another move.


    ''''It seems it have work and the curse is broken.'''' the woman smiled as if relieved.


    ''''BrokeN? What?--'''' I paused and was left in stupor... I can understand her? Why?


    ''''I can understand you now?'''' i asked


    ''''Yes, stranger, it seems you have been cursed by the language eater and was unable to speak. A common thing to happen these days to travelers like such as yourself and me'''' the woman giggled.


    Curse? Broke? I was left stunned in disbelief as i hear the woman''s words and spoke to her.


    ''''Or so it seems, i must thank you for doing such favor to me'''' i stand up and gave my thanks.


    The woman look satisfied and said ''''Don''t worry, i have meet and traveled into many places and occurrences of having the language of the soul within you being curse is nothing unusual''''


    Language of the soul? I was confused, but seeing how it was worded out, i can assume that it''s the language that every soul knew right?


    Seeing the face of the man in front of him, the woman calmly ask.


    ''''Are you new to this continent?''''


    I was confused by question and answered ''''Yes. this my first time into this world.''''


    The woman look at me quietly and said '''' Is that so? It might explain the eccentric outfit you have''''


    ''''hahahhaahahah'''' Stian laughed


    ''''Can you show your left hand stranger?'''' the woman asked with a serious look.


    Seeing the sudden change on her expression. I steadily raise my left hand and showed it to her.


    The woman look at my palm and with an expression of relief she said ''''Hmmm, it seems you have been blessed with the Wanderers hand?''''


    ''''The Wanderer''s hand?'''' Stian asked with a confused look.


    The woman look shock at Stian''s question and asked ''''Oh my, did you travel this far without using the blessing from the wanderer''s hand?


    ''''Yes or it seems so'''' as i sigh calmly


    ''''Then let me help you again stranger'''' as the woman spoke words, she grabbed my left hand and muttered words that have been lodge directly into my mind as it was there to crack something open.


    Then with a sudden pain in my head ,a strange and warm feeling surge from my left hand  and words appeared in my eyes..


    ''''Oh Wanderer, who travels far and wide, the master of land and moves like a shadow you have been blessed''''


    Then as if  there was something unlock in my brain i feel a new sensation and was startled


    Eh, the ability to turn invisible, the superhuman strength to travel far and wide and to move like a phantom? What?


    The woman look at  the man''s  expression and said ''''It seems it work, and since i have help you two times already then let me introduce my  name stranger. I am Ava Wandergovel, a traveling specialist and doctor, may i know your name stranger?''''


    Stian straighten his back and said ''''Yes you can! My name is Stian Peregine, like  the meaning of my name i am a Wanderer and at the same time a pilgrim.''''


    ''It''s nice meeting your Mr. stian'''' the woman smiled


    Looking at the beautiful smile Stian replied. ''''Yes it was nice meeting you to Ms. Ava, please accept my sincere thanks for the help you have given me.''''


    ''''It''s nothing much Mr. Stian, and it''s my pleasure for as a wandering specialist and doctor to help anyone..''''


    Stian, felt great. Happy, for such meeting, even the woman before him have save him from the dilemma of the language barrier, Stian still needs to know more about this world and shamefully asked.


    "Umm. Ms Eva, can i trouble you in explaining this ''''continent'''' to me? It''s my first time her and i simply don''t know any customs or even the places which civilization is located''''


    The woman look at Stian calmly and spoke ''''Of course, i don''t mind at all. The road has been lonely and having a new acquaintance to chat to is wonderful.''''


    Saying that Stian nodded and move to Ava''s side as she begun her tale.


    "This is the continent of Valhalla, the blessed  land which the World Tree is located.''''


    ''''World tree?'''' Stian asked


    ''''Yes, the world tree''''  Ava then pointed at the humongous tree in the distance''''


    "Oh, that''s the world tree huh''''


    Hmmmm , why did i woke up  in the world tree? was it because of that altar? Im not that stupid to realize that the moment i spilled blood and saw it spread on the stone carving.


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    The woman look at Stian and calmly asked '''' Is there anything wrong?''''


    Stian wave his hands and said ''''Oh its nothing, please continue!''''


    ''''As you wish'''' said Ava


    ''''The World tree of this continent has been here for years unknown. They say that when the tree bloom and produce seedlings, the seeds scattered and grow steadily within years. Years come and the seeds have grown akin into the image of the tree. And as those seeds grown, civilization followed. Within those seeds, four of them have grown into splendor and the people of this continent, move in the protection of those trees and built their homes into them''''


    ''''Built their homes in the tree for protection?'''' asked Stian


    ''''Yes, the holy aura of those trees have given the the place it stands as holy. And monsters alike will never venture into them. The city of Feywood, The City of Dawnlen, The City of Dredl, and the City of Wodfel have been  built within the protection of the world tree''s seedlings.''''


    ''''And the ones who who lords over them is the Queen of the Holy City of Valkyries. The leader of the Valkyries. Queen Estella Willow.''''


    ''''Estella Willow?'''' Stian asked confused.


    ''''Yes, the holy queen that guards the trees from evil. She have reign for years and have led her city into prosperity. Even the threat of the savages are nothing when her might is shown. She is a figure respected in this continent, and it would be best for you to call her ""Queen Estella Willow'''' as a respect Mr Stian'''' said Ava calmly.


    ""Yes it seems disrespectful calling her without her title.'''' as Stian realized.


    ''''It is for your own good to Mr Stian, after all the people of this continent love their Queen deeply for the years of peace and prosperity she have given. They don''t take kindly to people who casually says their Queen''s name without her holy tittle. And you will be labelled as a disrespectful being and be antagonized by a crazed mob''''


    ''''I guess i shall take note of that'''' as Stian made a mental note of it on his head.


    Having a whole continent antagonize you would be very bad. Well, just in case something like that happens, i better practice all the blessings the the Wanderer''s hand gave me.


    ''''Is there anything that you can left you can tell me?'''' i asked.


    ''''Yes, about the creatures that we are gonna encounter after we pass that border there. The moment we step into that land means that we have left the protection of the world tree.''''  as Ava pointed at the barren looking land ahead of them.


    ''''Ms Ava, why does no one try to settle near the  world tree?''''


    Ava look at Stian with a calm smile and said ''''It''s obvious, the borders and land of the world tree is too holy. No creatures,humans or any specific race dares to settle here. Simply because its holy ground''''''


    ''''But why did the other city made settlements into the world tree''s seedlings?'''' Stian asked.


    ''''It''s because the seedlings are an exception, those seedling was said to be release by the world tree into the lands so the humans and alike find peace when the monsters swarmed the land like a calamity.''''


    ''''Monsters?'''' Stian asked


    ''''Yes, the  monsters of this continent  are rather terrifying. Creatures like draugr''s , Norsen Wolves and Northern Dragons are one of the most terrifying things in this land.You also have to deal with Were Beasts and Blood Stalkers.'''' said Ava with a  look of fear.


    Then she continued ''''So please when you encounter any of them, run with all your might, it would be easy for you to do that for you possess the wanderer''s hand. So please don''t be reckless.''''


    ''''Understood'''' i weakly replied. Honestly, if do encounter such creatures then my first instinct would be to run and hide. Then if i can, then take a picture of it.


    ''''Is there anything you want to ask?'''' said Ava


    ''''Oh yeah, Ms. Ava, what is a ''''specialist?'''' you are one right?''''


    ''''Ah, yes a Specialist is someone who cures curses and anything that is cause by monsters and alike''''


    ''''So does basically a doctor of all kinds?''''


    ''''''Well you can say that'''' Ava laughed.


    Then she look at Stian and asked ''''Could i know more about you Stian? Your clothing and equipment''s especially your weapon is something i have never seen before.''''


    Stian listen to her words and said ''''You could say, i came from a long distance away. It''s due to special circumstances that i am here on this continent.''''


    Ava only nodded and said '''' I see, well it has been the fate of anyone who have possess the wanderer''s hand to be thrown away into a random place whether he likes it or not''''


    ''''Thrown away?'''' i asked sternly.


    ''''Yes, it has been said that those who have made a blood offering at the altar''s of the  giving to grant the giver of blood the wish they keep in their heart. It seems you Mr.Stian have so much wanderlust that the God of giving granter your wish.''''


    "Altar''s of Giving?'''' asked Stian


    ''"Yes, its an  altar of the Giving god that is found under a holy ground and what lies there is a small altar that houses the miniature of the world tree. Once your blood has been spread into its carved writing, you will be granted any wish you hold deep in your heart.''''


    Stian paused, he then  realize that the altar that prickled his finger was the one they call ''''The Altar of Giving''''! So that was it!


    Then Stian asked. ''''Ms Ava, what should i do if i want to return to my home? What if i want to go back on my wish?''''


    ''''Impossible, the god of giving only  gives one wish. If you truly want to go home, then you need to wander and wander until you find your way back home...Im sorry, but that is the usual fate of the people who possesses the Wanderer''s hand.''''


    ''''I see'''' said by Stian Dejectedly. Wander.....is that it? That''s all i need to do? How? How do i wander back to my own world? Is there anything out here in this place ....wait.


    ''''Miss Ava, so if i somehow found another altar of the giving? Can i still wish on it?'''' asked Stian


    ''"Of course, it isn''t called the ''''altar of the giving'''' if it doesn''t'''' Ava giggled and continued'' ''But finding another altar will be difficult...i don''t intent to crush your hopes but wanting to find the altar would quite difficult'''' as Ava said softly.


    ''''It''s okay, knowing that altar''s like that exists calms my heart'''' as Stian sighs in relief. Anyway, its not like Stian really want''s to go home right now! He was already use to being far away from his family and friends. As long as he can remember them would be enough. Missing out to explore this world would be a waste. And wandering this new world, i might find another altar in my travels  and use it when the time comes.


    ''''Anyway, do you any plans Mister Stian? asked Ava


    ''''Umm, can you please lay off with the ''''Mister''''?''


    ''''Sure, if you do the same and stop with the ''''Miss''''.''''


    ''''Hahahahah of course, i won''t call you miss as long you don''t call me ''mister!''''


    ''''Then, that settled, so would you like to travel with me for a while'''' as Ava straightly asked.


    ''''Sure why not, it''s more fun when you have someone you can talk to'''' as Stian ask with a smile.


    ''''Then, shall we go now?''''


    ''''Sure, lead the way Ava''''


    Then the two nodded their heads as they continue  moving towards the land unprotected by  the world tree.

 Chapter 4 - Stepping into a barren land

    Chapter 4 -  Stepping into a barren land


    As i continuously talked with Ava in regards to this continent. She halted a bit and tighten the ropes of her bull like companion named Rose. The Bull like creature is named after a rose, which exist  and apparently also named  as ''''Rose'''' in this world.


    So anyway Ava said that she found the fury bull in a bed of roses covered in wounds. Then as she took care of the Rose, Ava apparently took a liking to the fury bull and has been her companion since then. When the years passed and Ava was at the start of her travels, so she was a bit hesitant to bring her bull friend, but still have gone with it due to them already being close.


    ''''Stian, please listen to me right now, this is urgent'''' as Ava interrupted my thoughts.


    ''''What is it?'''' i asked.


    '''' We are near the border that separates us from the protected lands and so i have to warn you Stian. When monsters appear  and if we can avoid or get past them, please stay your hand and do not fight. After all with the blessing of the Wanderer''s Hand we should be able to get past them.'''' as Ava said in an urgent tone.


    ''''Why so?''''


    Ava look at me with a serious expression and said. ''''Though, i do not know how have you come this far without the use of your blessings, i may warn you now that the Wanderer''s Hand may gave you the strength and power to pass any lands unharmed, it will also cause you misfortunes if you deliberately use your blessing other than self preservation and protection. It has been a rule that all those who use their blessings other than its meant to be purpose will lose the blessings.''''


    ''''Lost the blessings?'''' i asked with a hoarse voice.


    '''' Yes, for example  i haven been given the Helper''s Hand in my palm, a blessing which gives me the power to cure curses and mild injuries. If i use these blessings for my own selfishly and refused anyone who really needs a helping hand, then in any event i would lose the blessing that was given to me and my journey will come to an end.''''


    ''''I see, so what your saying is that if i use my blessings to purposely attack enemies then there will be a time that i lost this power?''''


    ''''Yes,  as long as you don''t go against the blessings rule then it will stay with you till the end. Though there are some cases that a person deliberately go against their blessings to make it disappear, especially when they are blessings that requires blood. For example a man given with the warrior''s hand blessing will be a soldier and will have to use their blessing in accordance to being a warrior, if they do stray from the blessing, they will lost the blessing and be back to normal.''''


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    Then as if there  is an idea popped inside Stian''s head, he asked. ''''Does everyone in this world possessed ''blessings''? ''''


    Ava looked at Stian as if she heard a surprising question and then  said. '''' No, not everyone possess blessings. People like us who possessed such blessing are considered to be lucky.''''


    ''''Is that so?''''


    ''''Though there are people who sometimes consider the blessing given to them as a cursed and sometimes is forced into a  path they dislike.'''' Ava look at the distant land as if she remembered a memory from the past.


    I looked at Ava and thought for myself. Does being transported into an another world considered lucky or unlucky to me? Though i know that being thrown away into a foreign world without friends, family or acquaintances might be harsh for others.


    But it was different for me, a man born in the family of Peregrine has always have this born traits of wanting to wander. It is no statement that my family are made up of a bunch of eccentrics. After all, look at me. The moment i found myself into an another world the first thing i thought when i came to a realization was ''''Oh well , i shall wander!''''.


    So do i consider it lucky or unlucky? The Answer would be  ''''Yes, i consider it lucky'''', why? because my wanderlust boils inside me other than meeting my family again. It may sound horrible preferring to wander around and not seeing your family but that is just me........no that would be my  family in most cases.


    As Ava stopped her wondering towards the distant sky. She looked towards Stian and spoke.


    '''' Anyway, Stian, please do as i say and please do not do anything that may cause problems...Do you understand?''''


    ''''Of course! But if they do attack us i would be free to strike back right?'''' asked Stian


    ''''Naturally, since our life is the one that takes the most priority'''' as Ava answered with a giggle. ''''Then shall we go Stian?''''


    ''''Okay im game, let''s do this!''''


    ''''Oh my, be careful to not mess up okay?''''


    Ava laugh calmly as we carefully step out of the protected lands and into the barren lands.

 Chapter 5 - Those who walk the lands

    Chapter 5 - Those who walk the lands


    After stepping into the barren lands , the three figures walking in the cold land have been moving for about 2 hours now. Though the land is plain and there were no signs of danger. The three figure can be seen moving with a faster pace. The reason for such pace is simply because the lands they walk upon has no protection of any kind. The only thing that could be seen were the ruins of the old and the white sand that reeks of coldness.


    Stian look at the ruins in wonder and casually asked. ''''Ava,  though these ruin have their own stories?''''


    Ava turn her head towards her new acquaintance and replied. '''' Yes , these lands once belong to a warrior tribe and was once known for their might in land and sea. There was a time when rivers flow towards these lands. And those rivers were once connected towards the ocean. When those tribe of warriors arrive on this lands they were using the connected rivers to travel distances and harvest food. The rivers were also used in cultivating plots of lands and was use in farms. They were once a great tribe that has ruled for years on these land''''


    ''''So what happen?''''


    '''' They tried to take the lands all for themselves and turn greedy. When they got their power and forces, they tried invading the holy tree and to take it as their own . When the Queen of Valkyrie''s heard of their plot. The Queen was angered and burn with anger... the Queen and her army flew towards them and war started. The warrior tribes were no pushovers, they were able to fend off the army of the Queen. After all among the warriors stands also stand the Unspoken King. They battled for days and nights and when both armies were in a stalemate. The Unspoken King made a mistake.


    ''''Made a mistake?'''' as Stian immediately asked.


    '''' The Unspoken King tried to burn the holy grounds.... The action was akin to declaring war against the beings that protects the world tree. The tree was angered by the cruel actions of the King. Though the Unspoken King have obviously never heard of such taboo, he continued his actions. When the Queen of Valkyries saw the actions of the King of the warrior tribe. She was angered, and as if the tree were using the Queen as their vessel for protection. The flames that were spread on the holy grounds suddenly halt and gathered towards the Queen of Valkyries Sword.. And as she flew towards the tribe''s land the red flames that burn the holy grounds that gathered towards her sword turn blue. Then the Queen pointed her sword towards the land and as if there were a rain of fire...the lands burn in blueish flame. The Unspoken King and his army look towards their land and hurried to save their kin''s.''''


    ''''Did they make it?''''


    '''' No they didn''t. They were too late to save everyone. No matter what the Unspoken King and his army do the flames didn''t extinguish for days. The ashes that was burn by the bluish flames stick unto their skin as they desperately tried to save their lands. Though no matter what they do the flame didn''t burn them and only turn them into pale blue creatures that are now called Draugr''s . They lost their minds in anguish and turn mindless as they see the green lands that once is home to their tribes burn and the waters that the river provided were boiled to the sky and none was left. And thus these lands became cursed..''''


    ''''I see...so these lands were cursed..'''' as Stian look grim at the lands and thought. '''' So what happen to the Unspoken King and his army?''''


    '''' They still live, they say that within these lands lays the grave throne of the Unspoken King.  And within these lands his army walk endlessly in circle. After all these lands were their graves. The moment they died they didn''t  sleep and rise again and walk a lifeless life. So that''s why when we see any of them please try not to do anything that can cause them to attack us. Though hundreds of year passed and the army was slowly killed and put to rest. The are still among them who walks and they cannot be underestimated. After all these warriors once fend off a an army of Valkyries and during their times of life they possessed enough strength that is unrivaled in history. Now that they are the living dead, the restrictions that holds them down has been lifted and their strength has doubled since then.''''


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    '''' I see....'''' as i gulped in fear.


    After all who wouldn''t gulp in fear after hearing that? Even with my guns i don''t feel safe at all. But i can understand now why Ava is being careful when walking this lands. I too wouldn''t like pissing off a dead warrior that has a strength that even Valkyries fear. So Stian asked.


    ''''So what if we encounter a Draugr?''''


    ''Then please steer away and let them mourn in peace. They only hunger towards those who break their mourning. These pitiful warriors are doomed to walk forever till the day they are slaughtered by someone.'''' Ava gently answered.


    ''''I see, i guess I''ll remember that.'''' as Stian made a mental note in his head.


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    As we were walking  onward, Ava gradually felt exhaustion and have ridden her friend bull and buried herself inside its furs. Though its actually kinda funny seeing her head stick out in the fur. I refrain from saying that probably because her Bull friend seems like hate the smell of my coat and is gnashing at me.


    Having no choice i took a step back from gnashing beast and took out my camera and surveyed the barren lands. Though it does look grim it also emits a strong impression on me. I took a shot and then look at the screen of my camera. Seeing the beautiful picture made me smile a bit and then by pushing a lock i attached a printing part and press print.


    Then seconds later a small picture came out of the attach piece and then slowly grabbing the picture i started waving and shaking the picture till image were clear. Then taking out a piece of journal in my backpack i put the picture in the journal and then write off some details about the picture and where it was taken.


    Though i did the same thing and also printed out a picture of the world tree and marked it as where my journey started. Looking at the blank pages i feel a bit of nostalgia. In my family our grandfathers have always ordered us to bring a new journal when we travel on a different country and only use that journal on that specific country. Though i never did write anything when i ventured towards those huge forest''s before i came into this world. After all i wouldn''t write when knowing that i might get tucked suddenly.


    Any way i started writing on this journal and have use two pages, one for the details on the world tree and one for the details on the barren land.


    After finishing my writing, i put back my journal back into my backpack and then tuck away my camera inside the left front pocket of my backpack. Looking back at my actions i then reminded that i was traveling with someone right now who doesn''t know what a camera is and take a glance at that someone''s direction.


    Looking at her i feel disappointed. This woman really knows how to sleep and miss all the actions i did... Ad i even prepared a rush explanation...oh now im being self conscious by my thoughts.


    As if sensing anything wrong. Ava open her eyes and asked ''''Is there anything wrong Stian?''''


    ''''N-nothing really''''


    ''''I see''''


    Seeing that she would go back to taking a rest i quickly inquired about something that i have not asked since then. ''''Where are we heading off to Ms Ava? Though you said nothing but ask me to travel with you for a while, but it would help if i know the location we are heading to.''''


    Ava look at me and as if she finally noticed..answered. ''''Oh my it seems i have forgotten to tell your our destination. didn''t i ? ''''


    ''''Yes, you forgot.'''' as i smiled wryly.


    '''' Yes, after we passed  these lands we will then enter the mist forest and head towards Wodfel City.''''


    ''''Wodfel city?''''


    ''''Yes, we will be visiting Wodfel city, a city that lies inside the mist forest. A city built upon one of the seedlings of the world tree.''''


    ''''Oh. seems interesting'''' i replied with a bit of excitement.


    ''''Yes, it is an interesting city in a way..'''' Ava smiled gently at her own words, and then she suddenly froze up  and look at a direction.


    Seeing her frozen and scared face, i hurriedly turn my head towards the location and saw a pale blue being walking in the distance. Seeing the deathly pale blue tone of its skin and the corpse like stature of the being. I know for one thing that this being is none other than a Draugr, the well known being that walk these barren lands even in their death.

 Chapter 6 - A Warriors End

    Chapter 6 - A Warrior''s End


    Staring at the incoming Draugr, a foul stench spread near the direction the Draugr is . It was the stench of a corpse. I froze and felt my legs freeze. Though i have encounter many things during my travels in my home world. I have never seen such thing till now. Even with the trouble''s i have been during those times i have encountered the stench of death.


    I never froze up like this. After all who wouldn''t be scared when facing a monster?


    ''''Stian! Come here now!'''' as i hear Ava call out to me , my body unfroze and felt my body move towards her direction.


    Then with a pull, she pulled me unto  Rose''s fury body and told me to hide as we passed by the Draugr. Positioning my body up right i took heavy breaths to calm myself and give my cheeks a slap.


    With all the courage i have. I took a look at the limping Draugr and  stared in silence.


    ''''A  Draugr general huh..'''' Ava muttered.


    ''''Draugr general?''''


    ''''It looks like it...seems this one will soon reach it''s first death...''''


    ''''First death?'''' i ask curiously.


    '''' It means that this one still haven''t lost its mind yet and have persevered till the bitter end. That Draugr will soon die and be bring back to life again and become a mindless draugr........or we could put it to rest and send it to the after life. ''''


    ''''I thought we need to steer away from draugrs!?''''


    ''''Yes, that would be the case to all the draugrs that have already started its second life as a mindless being.. But when it comes to a Draugr who have not yet die a first death, there is still a chance that we could put them into rest when they collapse. And also...with my Helper''s hand...i can not turn my back away towards this former warrior who is about to reach the end of his life.'''' Ava said as  she started to get off the fury bull.


    ''''Wait a sec, let me at least accompany you!'''' as i also took off the bull.


    Then closely i followed Ava as she approached  the Draugr. As we were getting closer towards the dead man walking.I felt a chilling fear when the Draugr noticed are approach and because of that chilling fear i quickly pulled the mini Uzi from my right front pocket and pointed it towards the Draugr while shaking.


    Though i do not know how effective bullets are towards a draugr but i think I''m confident enough to put 32 rounds of bullet in that head at this range. Seeing the Draugr raise its hand i put my finger towards the trigger and would pull it if it tries anything.


    Seeing my actions, Ava raise her hands as if stopping me and the Draugr and turn her head towards the walking corpse and said.


    ''''Can you still speak , oh warrior who roam this land?'''' as Ava pointed her left palm towards the draugr.


    The Draugr look at Ava''s palm and as if there something lodge off his chest..the Draugr spoke. ''''Yes.....i can still can''''


    Ava look delighted hearing the Draugr spoke and then asked in a gentle tone. '''' Do you have a name warrior?''''


    The Draugr look at Ava''s eyes and did not even took a glance at me and spoke. '''' I am Assel Greycloak, a former general of Oss , the tribe that have once flourish in these lands''''


    ''''My name is Ava Wondergovel and as you can see in my left palm that i possess the blessing of the Helper''s Hand.. Assel Greycloak.....do you wish for  a rest now?'''' as Ava said gently towards the Draugr.


    Hearing the words of Ava. The Draugr let go his weapon and knelled towards the ground. As if the Draugr was waiting for those words for years....


    ''''Oh lady that possess the mercy of the Helper''s Hand...i beg of you to let me rest and meet my family in the afterlife... But before that....i can only ask of you to grant me a viking''s pyre..and remember me and how i have live..'''' as the draugr...no a tired warrior''s plea.


    Looking at the old Warrior in front of us. I lowered my weapon and put it back on the my backpack''s right front pocket. Then i took my camera and steadied it as if waiting for the pyre to begin.


    Ava approach the kneeling Draugr and said. '''' Kneel and stab your weapon towards the ground and hold your weapon''s pommel and bow your head.'''' as she instructed the Warrior in front of her.


    Then as the old warrior kneel. Ava raised the hood of her robe and unmasked herself. Blonde hair, blue eyes and snow like skin.. a face of a beautiful young woman no doubt. Looking at her, i was stunned with Ava''s beauty and unconsciously pointed the camera at the pyre that is about to start.


    Ava raised her left hand and put it on top of the the warriors head as her eyes glow and warm light began to gather at her hands and said in a warm gentle tone:


    ''''Please rest now..there are no words to say than this. Go....and meet your family  now in the after life... The cursed of walking endlessly on these barren lands is now over for you...Rest in Peace Brave Warrior..''''


    As the words parted Ava''s glossy lips. The Warrior of Oss, is wrapped in a warm gentle light as its body slowly turn blurry and as if the sword in front of him is sucking the life essence of the Warrior and have begun fusing with the sword and as ashes begun to form underneath the Draugr''s weapon as it lit like a bonfire.. The Heat then spread around the are of the bonfire as it envelops the surrounding with a warm gentle light.


    I took a step back and with my eyes still on view finder of my camera took a shot of the scene and then look at the captured image as Ava put back her hood and mask.


    Seeing the perfect capture of the scene, i put my camera back into my backpack''s pocket and look at Ava as she approached me.


    Seeing her approached i found myself looking for words to say. The pyre that happen in front me was short and sweet. But among that scene i clearly remember the beautiful face  that glowed in giving the dead a rest..


    Ava look at me curiously and asked '''' Is there something wrong?''''


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    ''''N-no there is nothing wrong. It''s just that i was fascinated by your face that i am looking for words to speak.'''' as i quickly covered my mouth as if scared.


    Ava paused for a bit hearing my words and then look at me as she giggled and said. '''' Is that so Mr Stian? hehehehehe''''


    Seeing that she is planning to tease me, i quickly took charge and spoke.


    ''''A-anyway is it over?''''


    Ava look at me and  seems to know what i was planning and answered. " It is over, Assel Greycloak has now been made to rest and is now on the afterlife.''''


    '''' I see...''''


    Ava  beckon towards me and said. ''''Lets take a rest here for now Stian. Let''s stay and feel the warm of this gentle fire as a respect and honor towards an old Warrior''s end of the road.''''


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    Sitting near the bonfire of the fallen warrior  i relaxed a bit and open one of my food packets that i have and  teared it open. Taking out the beef jerky inside i took a bite of and tasted a mix of a semi burnt steak with a salty sweet flavor as it moistens around my mouth.


    Seeing my reaction towards the food i ate. Ava seems to be curios about the food. Not keeping it myself i spoke. ''''Do you want some?''''


    Ava nodded her head as she took a piece of beef jerky and slowly raise her mask as she took a bite out of it using her glossy and sweet looking lips.


    ''''(The Hell am i thinking about?)'''' as i stop my detailed thoughts about Ava''s lips. After all seeing her beautiful face has made me a bit of conscious towards her. I seen a lot  blonde beauties in my life and but none can top the looks she have. She would probably put any model on earth to a shame when compared to her.


    Interrupting my own thoughts i saw Ava shake her body  and asked ''''How is it?''''


    ''''Its pretty bitter sweet, is this food a especially of your hometown?'''' asked Ava.


    ''''Well not really, but a lot of them enjoys this food on daily basis to the point that some are addicted to it.''''


    ''''Well seeing how tasty this food is, i can''t really blame them.'''' as Ava chewed the beef jerky in her mouth and slowly savoring the taste while it last''''


    ''''I''m glad you enjoyed it but can you tell me about the scene i just witnessed minutes ago?''''


    Ava licked off the oil from the beef jerky and answered. " What i did was merely just making use of the power given by the Helper''s Hand  to undo the curse that struck that warrior. Remember the part of the story, especially when the ashes from the blue flames the Queen of Valkyries unleashed stick into the skin of the warriors of Oss? That ashes was a akin to a curse it seems. The moment they were bathed in those ashes they were immediately cursed into being an eternal walker who would not rest till its death. With the power of the Helper''s Hand which the God of Saviors gave to me, i can easily cure any curse or diseases that are born from poison and from monsters. Though i can only moderately heal the wounds of a person to an extent it that the patient would survive. I can still not heal anyone who are close to death. That scene you just witnessed right now is something akin to purification of the soul. With my power i can calm anyone who needs a helping hand  and can cure them.''''


    ''''I see....so can i ask why you were glowing?''''


    ''''Oh that is just merely an effect of my power. With that glow i can calm anyone to comfort and appease them and gave them a warming effect akin to a mother''s embrace. And also because of my power that i have to wear these robes and mask because i might make an entire town wanting to be near me and follow me like a marching band.'''' as Ava said with a bit of bitterness in her smile.


    ''''I see, seems powerful and troublesome..''''


    ''''Well you can say that to most of the blessings. Also can  i ask what were you pointing during the time i was doing the pyre?''''


    ''''Oh my camera?'''' ask i take out my camera out of my backpacks front pocket.


    ''''So what does it do?''''


    ''''Oh it''s a tool use to capture an image of a person,animal, things or scenery.''''


    ''''Can you show me how it works?''''


    ''''Sure, hold still'''' as i pointed the camera towards Ava and push the capture button.. '''' *Snap * snap *snap''''


    Ava froze the moment the flash of the camera flashed in front of her. Then holding back the laughter from that little teasing. I took a piece of part which i can attach on my camera so i can print the picture and show it to her. After a few seconds the picture appeared as i wave and shake it and then approach the stunned Ava and gave her the picture.


    ''''Oh my..is this me? I see so it mirrors the image it reflects and then that tool then draws it perfectly..'''' as Ava look astonished at the picture.


    ''''Well that''s a way of putting it''''


    ''''Such an amazing tool i never heard off...Though i thought it was just a weird shape object but it seems like a good tool...Hmmm where are you really from Stian?'''' asked Ava curiously


    ''''Well, you could say I''m from a place known as Earth. Before i got thrown into this continent.'''' as i told her a mix of truth lies.


    ''''Hmm, i never heard of place like that, but it seems like a great place to visit.''''


    ''''Well, you could say that, i probably would want to return there if i can...''''


    ''''..............''''


    ''''Well enough about that, Ms Ava, what''s next?''''


    Ava recovered from her short silence and said. ''''Oh.... i think we just need about 4 hours of walking till we reach the end of the barren lands. Then when we reach that place we can cross the Hollow Bridge and head make our way to the Mist forest. ''''


    ''''Ah i see, then  i should probably take a rest for a bit then.''''


    ''''Well you better do Stian, it''s gonna be a long walk'''' as Ava walked towards her fury Bull and took a rest inside its  fur.


    I too then grabbed my sleeping bag and rolled it near the bonfire as  i rest my slightly tired body and slowly relax and close my eyes in wait for an hour to pass. The road is still long after all.

 Chapter 7 - The Hollowed Tree Bridge

    Chapter 7 - The Hollowed Tree Bridge


    It has a been exactly five hours since our last stop. After we got up from our quick rest, me and Ava moved forward and have walked for about sixty thousand yards in  five hours. Though a feat like that would be a too tiring for me in my world. But with the blessing''s of the wanderer''s hand , i have been able to walk in a face pace with only being a bit tired.


    Ava is doing well mostly because of her fury bull which she mount when she is tired. Though i did try on mounting the fury bull. It did not go well since the Bull still hates my coat for some reason.  Probably due to the material that it really ticks off its nose.


    Though my hooded cape coat is made  of leather and wool with a combination of polyester and nylon ,added with that is a combination of inner waterproof membrane such as mesh and polyester taffeta. The outer shell of my hooded cape coat is treated with a Durable Water Repellent  so that it can endure harsh terrains in any travels. Though it cost a lot of money it is well spent due to its quality and durability.


    Oops looks i got lost again in explaining my coat. Any way right now me and Ava have finally move pass the barren lands  and is now currently heading for the bridge that we need to cross in order to go towards the Mist Forest which there lies the City of Wodfel.


    During our march, Ava have explained the details i needed and after that she requested for a moment of silence.  Apparently it is a habit of her to keep silence when entering a new area or land . It''s a habit akin to praying towards Mother Nature in gratitude for keeping her safe, it can be viewed as paganism in a sense. Though I''m not that much of religious guy so i would probably not understood  such habit.


    Anyway our destination is towards a bridge called the Hollow Tree. Why is it called  The Hollow Tree is literally because it''s a giant hollowed out tree that was fixed  as bridge. According to Ava there was once a Giant Nomad who saw the river and in order to crossed the river. The Nomadic Giant cut down a giant tree and hollowed it''s inside so that his  mountain cows can cross the raging river.


    Interrupting my thoughts , i climbed up the hill when i suddenly heard the sound of footsteps ,hooves and look at the direction and saw the bridge that we need to cross. Though i initially thought that the bridge would empty, there seems to be a lot of traveler''s crossing the bridge along with mount companions. There also seems to be guards and people up in the trees with their bows.


    ''''Well it''s that time of the year again'''' as Ava spoke behind my back.


    ''''Oh, are you done with that ''habit?'' ''''


    ''''Yes i am''''


    ''''But anyway Ava, what did you mean by ''''it''s that time of the year again?'''' is it a festival or something?'''' i asked curiously.


    "It''s the Festival of the Norns. It''s seems this year the festival would take place in Wodfel City.''''


    ''''Take place here? Why? Is this festival not a tradition in this city?''''


    ''''No, the Festival of the Norns is a circulation between the seedling cities. This year it seems Wodfel City would be the one to boil the the tree saps that will be produce by seedling tree of the World Tree. ''''


    ''''So basically it''s a festival to celebrate a tree releasing saps to be boiled, which i assume to be drink?''''


    ''''Yes, although the newborns and young children would be the one to drink the sap from the tree. So that the Norns of the old tree can sew the threads of fate towards the newborn and the children will be blessed. The men and women who would drink the sap would also gain an enlightenment  that would clear their minds. And mostly just because the sap is really tasty. I too would like to drink some its sap.


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    '''' Well that explains the travelers''''


    ''''Yes, some people are addicted to the saps, Some people even tried getting barrels of the sap these years and due to that the security will be tighten. Look at there, there are scouts on the trees and in the bridge guarding the main way towards the mist forest.''''


    ''''No wonder... i  guess that there would be someone trying to make profits out of them. ''''


    "It should be fine, it''s not like the bandits would find another way to enter Wodfel without entering  through here''''


    ''''Well that''s a relief''''


    ''''Anyway, we need to go and cross the bridge now Stian , then we will head towards the entrance of the mist forest and go to the camping area and take a rest.''''


    ''''Okay, let''s go'''' i nodded.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Arriving at the camp ground near the mist forest entrace. Ava and i have rent up a two tents that was already built upon the place. Since i am penniless, i exchange some of my food packets and canned food for 300 coins  towards Ava as she happily bought them. But even so since she insisted on giving me another 300 coins for more of my packed beef jerky, i decided to give up and sell it to her. And with that i was able to rent a tent and have now a currency that can be use in this continent or world..


    Though it would be be a good save of budget if we shared the same tent. It''s impossible to do so. After all i am still healthy young man and Ava is a young woman herself. Putting two different genders in the same room would be dangerous. It''s also a matter of privacy which is why we cannot share the same tent.


    I did think about using my sleeping bag, which can also be use as a tent though rather just enough to protect my whole body. I thought about exposing my belongings to this amount of people camping is also rather bad so i went against it in the end and have decided to make a barter with Ava instead.


    Moving on, i decided to prep up the tent before i walked outside. In the area there were a bunch of travelers sitting near the bonfire including Ava. It seems that within those travelers she has friends  which she encountered in this camp. It''s no surprise that with her personality she would have a lot of friends and can easily get some acquaintance. Since it''s that i decided to leave her alone head towards the survey point near the camp and stay there for a bit.


    Walking along the spiral stairs and arriving at the top of the survey point. I took out my camera from my backpack and pointed it towards the campground and took a shot. There is no goddamn way im leaving my belongings on that tent since it makes me too paranoid.


    I attached the piece of part for the camera and then press print. After taking out the picture i did the same motion i do to make the picture clearer. Sitting on the floor i took my journal out and pasted the picture and use one page to write the details in a summary like way. After i was done writing i put my equipment and belongings back and stand up to take a look at the sky.


    Even with the mist leaking out of the forest, i can still clearly see the starry skies and look at it with wonder. No matter how many times i see them they are still beautiful and incomparable towards how they look in my world. With no pollution to block the sky, the starts brightly lit the night so much  that even without a torch or any light  providing item you can still see your steps.


    As i was about to head down and  go back inside my tent. I felt a chilling stare pointed at me and turn my head towards it. Seeing that the there were rustles and falling leaves. I shrugged it off as something my paranoia have created and leave it as it is. I then went down the survey point and decided to take a rest for the day.

 Chapter 8 - Entering the Mist Forest

    Chapter 8 -  Entering the Mist Forest


    After the night of rest, i prepared and readied my equipment''s and headed out of the tent i rented. Seeing the bright sunlight in the distance i squinted my eyes and covered the bright lights that invades my eyes and headed towards the nearby tent.


    Seeing the fury bull near the tent. I decided to approached the furry creature in order to try patting it. But before i can even make a step towards the fury bull. The creature turn its head towards me and gnashed like it usually does.


    Feeling defeated again. I waited near the Tent''s entrance for Ava and decided to look daze in the process. Then with a sound of i heard the door of the tent open and i was greeted by the familiar robe and mask wearing friend that help me the first time we meet.


    I approached Ava and greeted her. "Good Morning Ms Ava, did you get a good rest?''''


    Ava turn her head towards me and spoke. ''''It was a good rest Mr Stian, How about you?''''


    ''It was okay, it''s bit better than my usual sleeping bed''''


    ''''I see, then shall we make our way now? The Caravan will be leave even without us you know.''''


    ''''Oh i see, then let''s better hurry!'''' as me and Ava plus her bull headed towards the place where the caravan will gather.


    Seeing that were still not too late. Both of us sighed and stood behind the caravan along with people that have mounts like Ava. Among the caravan there were a lot of merchants traveling around with us pulling their carts using their mounts.


    The crowd of people was diverse and it seems that the Festival that will happen of Wodfel City is really a festival that is look forward upon.


    As  i was looking around. I saw a black leather armored man which is followed by four person''s wearing leather armor. Hearing the murmurs of the crowd.  I have found out that these group of guards are the Escort Soldiers sent by the City Lord of Wodfel in order to guide traveling visitors.


    Apparently due to the recent increase of Mist in the forest. The City lord has forbidden everyone who isn''t verse on the way to Wodfel City and out to travel without escorts. These Escorts are probably the one in charge of guiding this caravan towards Wodfel.


    Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. The Escort Captain, the one wearing the Black Leather Armor started speaking as he mentions about the rules and guidelines that the people of the caravan needs to follow. After speaking the Escort Captain headed towards the front as the  four guards covered the sides and back of the caravan.


    The Black leathered Captain then beckon the whole caravan to follow him as the march started.


    One of the rules given by the Escort Captain was to keep silence or speak in whispers mostly because if the crowd were talking loudly. They may attract the creatures of this forest and might be attacked. It also helps that as they keep silent the Escort Guards would be able to heard everything with the vicinity and react to any possible threats that may occur during the journey.


    Walking towards the entrance of the Mist Forest , it seems that even with this much of a mist. The Entrance of the Mist Forest is   still far ahead .


    During the travel towards the Entrance. The whole walk was quiet and none dared to speak in a normal noise and focused on whispering. The Entrance of the forest was mostly covered with flora''s  and different kind of trees.


    Despite my expectations, the towering trees were not grayish or even look dead. They were mostly green and mixed with a few orange  which apparently signifies that the current season if fall. By the way i also asked what was the season from a random person and was answered in whisper.


    There was nothing to say much about the surrounding other than the few strange bugs that i glance off. Seeing the amount of people and the wary looks of the guards. I decided not to bring out my camera and sadly followed behind the caravan.


    ===============================================================================


    Note:


    Since i kinda messed up and forgot the login and password of my account. I decided to made a pastebin where i can put my chapters as a backup since i don''t like the blogging sites that  much. Though im still relying on the saved passwords to post on this website


    Link to my Pastebin:


    http://pastebin.com/u/Vari_

 Chapter 9 - A Misty Forest

    Chapter 9 - A Misty Forest


    Silence. That''s the current status of the situation right now.  Normally i will take pictures of an are i found worthy of being take a n photographed at. Though currently i can''t bring out my camera to take a picture of the scenery. Though i did try separating a bit from the caravan.


    One of the Escort Guards apprehended me and told me to go back in the line. Though they were probably just concerned with the line being disturb and that many would take my actions and copy my behavior. Well it''s not like im looking for any trouble either so i just obediently backed off like a good person.


    Since entering the mist forest it has been about a time now since we walked. The Escort captain also told us that the whole trip will take about four hours. During the time we entered this forest i took a glance at my wrist watched  and it was still 7am. We left at 6:04 am and have been traveling for about 56 minutes now.


    Which means that we still have three hours left of walking till we arrive at the middle of the forest and finally enter the center which lies the City of Wodfel.


    I have been just walking behind the fury bull of Ava and have been staring at the ground for a while now by the way. Though i have nothing to do right now than walk.....I am bored to be honest. It would have been a bit better if there were i can talk to. But since Ava has just been keeping silent and retreated back to her bull''s fur, i stop myself from disturbing her and backed off.


    Now that i think about it , how about i use my invisibility? Though i did try using the Wanderer''s Hand and was fairly successful in doing so. But my problem is that due to being on this packed crowd wouldn''t i just bump towards them and cause some panic?


    Though i did feel the passive increase in strength in my body and was fascinated by the fact that i can turn invisible when the energy from my wanderer''s hand covers my entire body and that can direct contact with me and reflect all the lights that shines on me and making me invisible. I never understand what turning into a ''''Phantom'''' mean.


    Feeling helpless i just stared right at my left hand and though of something..I can spread the energy around my body to reflect the light off and became invisible. But maybe can  i just spread it around an object or a certain parts on my body?


    Since I''m bored i decided to pull out my pocket knife and concentrated the blessing energy of the wanderer''s hand towards my knife. Seeing the mark in my hand slightly glow, then as if the Tree like Hand mark spread whitish energy lines of threads towards the knife and slowly covered it till it became invisible.


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    I was happy with the result, though i can''t show my shock and shout that i did it. I celebrated inside my heart and undid the threads of energy as it vanish from the knife. Seeing that it is possible to do so , i touch the camera inside my backpacks pocket and circulated the energy threads of the blessing and covered it completely except the lens so it can reflect the image it tries to capture.


    I then pointed the lens towards the the forest and took a picture of the scenery. Seeing that i did it,  i hid my camera under my coat and undid the energy threads that covers the LCD screen and saw that the camera did capture the scene of the forest. I then wrapped the LCD screen back with threads of light and included the lends and took a picture with the camera.


    Feeling excited i brought my camera back undid again the  threads of energy that covered the LCD screen and took a look. But when i saw the image, i feel a bit sad. It seems it really need to let the lens uncovered for an image to be taken. I then deleted the image then put back my camera back in my backpack''s pocket.


    Three hours of walking was not much because of my new passive increase in strength due to the blessing of the wanderer''s hand. Though along the way i have taken a lot of pictures towards the strange floras and bugs that i have encountered the trip was at was smooth.


    Seeing that the people around me started talking and the Escort Captain didn''t warn them anymore. It seems that we are near the the exit of the forest. Feeling the mist gradually fade even though we are still near the forest and the air around me started feeling warm, i also got excited in delight.


    As we were steps away into exiting the forest and right into the territory which the City of Wodfel lies. I feel my heart beating as for this place is gonna be the first city that i will step into after coming into this world. Ten steps, six steps and three steps and.....my eyes have seen the city of Wodfel.


    Seeing the  City of Wodfel that is akin to a medieval Europe in design the only difference is that there was  a giant tree that  is not as tall as the World Tree but was as wide if four football stadiums were join together.  A warm feeling then swelled inside my heart as i feel that finally...i got to take a glance at these kind of scenery as i slowly pointed my camera towards the view and click on the capture button.

 Chapter 10 - The Warm City Surrounded by the mist

    Chapter 10 - The Warm City Surrounded by the mist


    Arriving at Wodfel the people in the caravan were happy. Behind me the sound of merchants sighing at their safe arrival were many. Though we are currently still on the mist forest the area around the city is warm and comforting. Though in the distance you can see the mist. The City seems like it have something that repels the mist.


    Looking up i saw the giant tree, the seedling that the World Tree release. The City''s name was also based on this giant  and wide tree. Feeling the air with my palms i then trace the air and sense that the direction of such warm air that pushes back the mist is from the Tree of Wodfel.


    Currently the caravan is still on the front of the city gates waiting for the Escort Captain to come back and tell us that we can enter the gates. Looking at the gates  that were made of metal and bronze. I took out my camera and covered it with energy threads and took a shot of the gate. Then i quickly walk to a spot that none would bother me and printed out the picture i took. Then i took my journal out of my backpack, written down the details and pasted the picture unto  the journal and my ritual is complete.


    Putting back my backpack, i saw in the distance the robed woman that i have no talk to for a while. She is currently feeding her bull with some sort of food. Though I''m just staring at Ava and her bull, i unconsciously took my camera out and pointed it towards the girl feeding her fury bull.


    I then snap out of it and put my camera back and took out my water canteen and drink from it. Though i don''t now why i have been not drinking regularly  with my canteen. I just assumed that due to the passive increase in strength that the Wanderer''s Hand gave me that my body can last long without water or food for a while.


    Even though i don''t know if it''s a good thing or not, i find it convenient that my body can last longer and is even now more sturdy for travels. Since the Escort Captain still isn''t around i just sat at the tree stump looking bored waiting for the captain to arrive and open the door for the caravan.


    And as if God have heard my plea, the Escort captain walked out the giant metal and bronze on god knows how and said ''''Welcome to Wodfel City! Enjoy your stay!'''' like a goddamn salesman. It didn''t help that he was having a blank and cold face during the travel here that most of the people in the caravan just cringe at the sight of him doing a cheery voice.


    Nonetheless seeing that it''s finally time to enter the Gates of Wodfel I take a look around the tree stump to make sure that i didn''t left anything and when it seems that  i didn''t forgot anything. I then stride my way towards the caravan when suddenly i felt a gaze and heard a rustle in the near forest. I take a stop for the moment and quickly look towards the direction that the sound was heard. Feeling that it''s my paranoia again, i move towards the organize crowd.


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    Though we are finally entering the City, i have no one to express my joy, because my first friend is now currently chatting with her old friends she meet during the trip. Though i feel like i was being ignored, i just shrugged it off and thought that it''s only natural to talk more towards a familiar face than a stranger you meet 3 days ago.


    Since i''m not that much of a bastard to ruin their talks. I just focus on walking towards the entrance of city while being careful not to push anyone.


    Entering the City, what greeted my eyes were wide streets and a lively crowd. Seeing the amounts of Medieval European like buildings. I then feel that some of  my expectations that the city must be full of buildings that looks Nordic were crush to pieces. Though i do admit that the combination of the buildings along with the beautiful flowers that grows within the edges of the road and the water canals that are crystal clear. I still felt that it was a beautiful sight to behold and deep inside my heart i can tell that my heart is satisfied in being the first man from the my world to step into this place.


    Still being stunned by the beautiful sights, i then unconsciously brought out my camera and took a shot of the scenery. Then as if there was someone calling for me. I look back and saw that Ava is beckoning towards me. And since i notice that her friends seems to have gone ahead i decided to walk towards Ava.


    ''''Hello Ms Ava,What''s up?''''


    ''Stian, did i offend you at some point? I feel that since we left the camp near the entrance of the Mist Forest that you seems to be avoiding me?'''' said Ava in a sad tone.


    ''Eh? No , i just thought that since you meet some of your friends in the caravan , that i thought i should let you and your friends to catch up on things.'''' i explained.


    ''''Ah....i see, well that''s a relief. I thought i offended you and because of that you started avoiding me. Besides, why didn''t you join us? ''''


    ''''Well, i don''t really want to butt in between your reunion with your friends. As a wanderer, i can understand what it feels like meeting  familiar faces again. Besides there is no way i would start hating a benefactor who have help me more than once.''''


    ''''Oh my...i understand '''' as Ava giggled.


    Well , i guess she is really a person who worries too much. Is that the effect of the Helper''s Hand towards her?


    ''''Anyway, Stian i heard from a friend  that there is good inn with a bar that we can stay at this city. Since we probably can''t find any more inns and that it would be all full if we dont hurry now!'''' as Ava started going on a direction while signalling to follow her.


    ''''Okay, wait for me!'''' as i follow up behind her.

 Chapter 11 - Wandering around Wodfel City

    Chapter 11 - Wandering around Wodfel City


    Walking with Ava, we walked through the crowd and found out the inn that we will be  staying. Because Ava still needs to put her bull in the table. I decided to enter the  inn by myself and saw the sign. Though even though i am sure that i have never studied that sort of language before.  I can still read it without any trouble. ''''Is this the effect of the language of the soul too?'''' i muttered while finding a spot to sit.


    This inn is called ''''The Vicar Inn''''. which located in the  West Nectar Street of this City. I have many questions why the street is called Nectar or what does ''''Vicar'''' even mean. I tossed the idea to ask about it to not look ignorant. Hearing the door of the Inn open as Ava enters. I quickly got up out of my seat and followed her towards the receptionist.


    ''''Welcome to our Inn, how may i help you? as the Receptionist asked a very obvious question.


    ''''We would like to rent two rooms for each one of us'''' Ava answered


    ''''Okay, that would be 50 coins.''''


    ''''Here you go'''' as Ava took some coins from me and paid the Receptionist.


    ''''Thank you! Here are your keys!''''


    Ava grabbed the key to her room and said ''''I''ll be going now, sadly i need to do something on my room. So see you till the festival starts Stian'''' as she started walking up stairs.


    I approach the receptionist and took the key


    ''''Here you go! You better work harder!'''' as the Receptionist patted me in the back for some reason.


    ''''Huh?...ummm okay?'''' grabbing the key, i then stride towards the room i was given.


    Putting the key to the keyhole. i open the door and whistled at the beautiful room. Then i instinctively dive towards the bed and savor the feeling of softness that the  bed gave. Resting my body for thirty minutes i then temporarily put my bag down and took out my journal and grab my camera to take a photo of the room . Then doing the same ritual. I then put my journal back and leaned towards a chair to think of my plans for the day.


    Now, what would you in a city you never been before? Isn''t it obvious?


    Go sightseeing  and fooooood trip! Honestly  i really want to try the food here. I mean being transported in a fantasy? world and still i eat my food packets and my few cans of food? Hell no! i rather save  all of this in case for emergency. Though i do not know the prices of the food here and i can''t even ask Ava since she secluded herself in something that i don''t know off.


    But before i leave, i need to make sure not be hindered. So im gonna have to leave my backpack here. But before so i took out the snare wire from my backpack then installed near my backpack and then instilled the blessing energy of the wanderer''s hand in the wire and to make it even more secure. Seeing that my paranoia still wants more. I then touch my backpack and did the same thing to the wire and made invisible.


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    Feeling a bit secure about my belongings i then put my hooded cape coat on and locked the door. Striding my way out the door and back to the streets. I then open the map that i bought from the inn and check where the stalls of foods and scenery are which is located in a place called  Lura Park!


    Lura Park, the area where most of the stalls and merchandises are located at. I look around the stalls for a moment before finding a place that seems to be a good.


    I entered a restaurant called Devon''s Meal and look at the signs of the meals offered and saw.


    Name                                          Price


    -Cornish Hens with Olives: 8 coins


    -Mutton, Lettuce and Tomato: 3 coins


    -Beef & Vegetable Casserole: 5 coins


    -Roasted Peppers Filled with a Mix of Cheeses: 2 coins


    -Smoked Razor Boar Ribs: 9 coins


    Though the other seems familiar enough, i took at the Razor Boar Ribs that cost nine cost and wondered what the hell is a razor boar. Since it seems the food that has that fantasy like name.  I decided to order a wine called Channusian  too that cost''s about 5 coins and then waited at a table near the windows.


    Sitting on the chair, i look around me and saw that within the people in the crowd. There were some heavily armored folks that emits an aura of danger. Though most of the guys eating here are a bit of rough  looking, the face they keep making as they eat their food and drink their wine  makes you lower your guard down and think that this people are just eating their meals after a hard days work and isn''t here just to look intimidating or anything. Thinking that scenery is worth the shot i took out my camera that was sling in my shoulder and capture the image of the first restaurant that i visited.


    Seeing that the waitress laid the Smoked Razor Boar ribs and the Channussian  Wine. I didn''t dawdle any longer and took a bite of the razor boar ribs!...The  exceptionally pleasing taste, texture, and marvelous flavor as it wraps around my mouth...i think i can never compare the other pork ribs i have eaten ever again. I could eat this seven days a week. Not to mention that spicy tingling favor and the razor sharp sweetness...... The Channussian Wine also adds the flavor to its meant........Now i can understand why those guys were eating in delight.........


    The meal was great, after i eat the meal, i ordered another batch smoked Razor boar and then i secretly took a picture of it and treat it as treasure. Still being awe struck by that delicious food i then walk back to the street i sight see  the peculiar statues and objects while being glad inside that i still had a lot of memory cards in my backpack and a sturdy customized solar charger to keep using this camera.


    Seeing that i have seen all i can in this are. I decided to move towards the lower section to see the equipment''s and things they can offer.

 Chapter 12 - The Black Cloak

    Chapter 12 - The Black Cloak


    Lura''s park merchandise section is full of stalls that sell different kind of things. From charms, weapons, armor, staffs, potions and even miscellaneous stuff that can be used in different scenarios. The amount of crowd in this section is really thick. Though I do not know if it''s just because there is a festival happening here or this is just a normal here.


    Moving on, due to consideration, I have also bought a pair of iron bracer gloves and leg armor and a holding back for rations which can fit in my backpack in case I use all the rations from my world. Though I manage to bough them for 142 coins, I have now 390 coins left from 600 coins. Though it was a bit expensive and half the price of renting a room in an inn for a week. It should be worth it.


    Also, there was one thing that bothered me during my walk here. Whenever i tried circulating the energy of my Wanderer''s Hand i can feel more strength flow towards me as my  hearing, vision and body gets even stronger. Coupled with the passive increase just by having the marking in my palm. It seems that whenever i try making use of it white energy threads would wrap around my veins, muscle and bones and even my eyes and ears. Due to that there would be glow of lines in my arms, face and my whole body to the extent that it kinda bothers me. Though i did see Ava, glow when she uses her power on that general draugr. I never thought that i would also have these kinds of side effects, now I understand why Ava wears a robe and a mask.


    So what is the solution to the problem? Though I have my hooded cape coat on me and a goggle mask in my backpack, which I usually use when traversing desert and snow. I would love to have a cloak that can cover me and my whole body completely. I walk towards a stall of clothes, but it seems that though there were cloaks they were a bit too plain for my liking. So decided to head to a another store that looks a bit made for mages.


    Entering the store called Runic. I wandered inside and is looking at the robes one by one. Then in the corner, I saw a black cloak. Seeing the black cloak I was mesmerized and inwardly thought about how fucking cool it is. Jet black and seems enchanted by runes that prevents the cloak from deteriorating. I then asked for the price and it was a whooping 200 coins. I saw the price and sweated bit, though buying this would only leave me 190 coins, the durability and effect seem great, and the greatest point is that it just looks cool..... sold!


    I left the store as I donned my new black cloak and put the hood of my coat up to match it. Damn, I feel cool, though I would probably be laughed at and be treated as a weird person in my own if wear this, but since this isn''t my world an there is a lot of people wearing even weirder things so its fine hopefully.


    Having this cloak, I decided to channel energy threads and made myself invisible in the alleyway. Then, using the energy of the wanderer''s hand and activated the increase strength as it enchants my passive strength even further. The White lines, then appeared in my body, but due to the black cloak and invisibility it was unnoticeable.


    As a photographer there were times that we have to risk our lives and sometimes trespass or climb buildings to get a better view. During my years as a college student, I was dragged into the gym for Parkour and spend time there till I graduated. Though during my childhood years I have practiced with my uncle towards Wing Chun and learn some of the basic stances, postures, strikes and techniques. Though halfway during my high school days I started doing krav maga for self defense since it was a highly recommended self defense for aspiring photographers.


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    And though in college, I was dragged into doing Parkour, it was a bit easy to study the principles due to my fitness, but practicing the art of escape was a bit of a handful and even it was easy to study the principles. The practical methods was not easy and have broken my bones for quite a time. But even so the martial arts I have learned have helped me deeply during my few years as a photographer.


    So why am saying all these things? Because right now I''m gonna climb the tower and reach that vantage point! I started running a wall and then jump side to side and grabbed the edge of a platform and continued climbing until I pulled myself and look for a way to reach the vantage point. Though in my world this would have been tiring. But with my new enchanted strength things are rather easy. Though there were people in my world that was superhuman in a sense that they can jump off high buildings and feel nothing. I think I can honestly say that if went home with my current strength they would be left to dust and be awestruck.


    Moving on, I then wall run upwards a building, then long jump towards the tower''s edges which is the building that has the highest vantage point around here. Climbing steadily with my right foot and then using left leg to jump and grabbed the edges, I was like a monkey who steadily scales the building. Then, seeing that there is a bit of a gap between me and the thing edge I need to climb. I put strength in my legs as I jump and attempted to grab the edge!


    Successfully grabbing the platform''s edge. I then pulled myself up and look at the view. Feeling satisfied that I seem to have not lost my skills yet, or was is just the hidden strength? In any case, I''m currently on top of this building. Not wasting any time I took out my camera and started taking pictures of the scenery in front of me. The thing about the city of windfall is that even with this much building the city still is in harmony with nature and the canals that are clear as water and the flora''s that grows on the buildings adds more charm to this city. Though even with the gigantic tree that is as wide as four football stadiums, the tree of wodfel doesn''t lose in being amazing.


    Sitting casually in this building I took out my canteen and drink some water. Though the walls are high you can still see the mist forest and the white mist that surrounds it. Though it feels endless when looking at it due to the mist. It still gives a strange feeling, like being trapped in a boat and you don''t know what might come out of it.


    Looking at my wrist watch I decided that it''s time and decided to head back to the inn. I drop to cat as hang on the ledge and then let go and grab another ledge. Then slowly repeating the process I manage to descend down to a building as I then jump off back to the alleyway and made my way towards the inn.

 Chapter 13- The Festival of Norns

    Chapter 13- The Festival of Norns


    The Festival of Norns, a festive event that circulates among the seedlings of The World Tree. This Festival, which is held upon every year, but in different cities because the festival is only held when a seedling starts showing signs that saps would come out of the top of the tree.


    Though once in every hundred years, all the seedlings would simultaneously produce sap and would mean that a new era  starts. The basic things you need to know about  the festival of norns have 4 events:


    Which is the drinking of the sap towards the newborns The Drinking of sap towards the kids. The Drinking of sap towards the Men and women And lastly the final Dance that will be held on top of the tree where the fire is to boil the saps that were drink would be danced upon till it completely fades.


    They say that the reason for such event was because of the written tabled of stone given by the messengers of the Valkyrie Queen, and that it was said that the World Tree directly said to the Queen to hold these festivities in order for the Norns of the Old Tree can see the threads of fate towards the drinkers. And also make the minds of the drinker fresh and enlighten.


    Walking up towards the top of the Tree of Wodfel with Ava, I was perplexed by the road that leads to the tree due to the path being oddly well formed as if it was meant to be.


    ''''Hey, Ava they carved this road right?'''' as i Stian asked.


    ''''Impossible, they can''t possibly have that enough power to that, after all this is the seedling tree.''''


    ''''Eh, but didn''t they try to burn the tree? It should be easy to carved a road right?''''


    ''''Stian, do you know why the holy tree is closely monitored by the Valkyries and their Queen?


    ''''Um, how would I know that?''''


    '''' Then now you will know, it''s simply because in order to protect the seedlings of the holy tree, the holy tree has spread its roots and interconnected it directly so that the World Tree can channel protection and harden the seedlings. That''s why, since the power was thinned out the Valkyries needed to protect the tree from any harm.''''


    ''''Is that so'''' I thought for a second after replying, that if the Valkyries were monitoring the world tree, then shouldn''t they haven notice me standing top of the tree? Oh, maybe since we can climb on this tree the same thing can be done to the main tree itself?


    ''''By the way Ava, can you tell me about the other continents that surrounds this land?'''' ''''I don''t know'''' ''''Huh?'''' "Sadly, we do not know'''' Ava said straightly.


    ''''Why'''' I asked.


    ''''Stian, do you remember the story about the warrior tribe of us who tried to take the world tree for themselves?''''


    ''''Yes, I still do.''''


    ''''It is said that when the Valkyries barren the establish lands along with the innocent children, women and elder''s without mercy, a single boat escaped before the rivers evaporated from the flames and told the kingdom of the tribe which the tribe of Oss came from to talk about the done deed. And due to that, the Kingdom of Thornodin was enraged that they cut off of any contact within these lands, black, any seas from sailing in or out of this land and locked this city like a cage.''''


    ''''Why did they do that? I thought for sure they would invade and go on a rampage?''''


    ''''It''s because the King of Thornodin decided that these lands were cursed and full of winged monsters that would slaughter them  for a misunderstanding of the taboos of the lands without even giving them reasons why.''''


    ''I see, it seems that each side has it''s own side of the story.''''


    ''''Well, that''s true after all no one really knows what happen. Anyway, we should move along now.'''' as Ava moves her pace faster.


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    .


    Arriving at the top of the tree we were greeted by the sight of a giant cauldron being filled by a honey looking  sap. As we found an area to sit down, Ava and I sat next to each other due to the crowd constantly coming in. Besides us there were kids, teens and infants who were brought by their parents in order to be blessed by the sap that will be given.


    In front of us were figures who are using the gigantic branches that have fallen from the tree to light the fire. As the fire rises, the sap inside slowly heats up and after an hour of waiting. The Sap starting boiling  and the sap turn from a plain honey into a golden liquid that emits a smell that  entrance''s the crowd.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Then, as we were smelling the smoke that was coming from the cauldron. A man wearing golden robes started walking towards the platform and raised his hand to silence the people. Then he spoke:


    "Welcome to this festive event! An event that is only held once a year in every seedling city! Welcome to the Festival of Norns! Today we have gathered here from the lands away to hold the celebration of giving the sap turn syrup towards these people in order for us to be enlighten and be blessed by the Norns of Fate! So without any due, we shall now start this festival!!!!''''


    The crowd shouted in joy as the drums were beaten to make a rhyme.


    ''''BRING THE INFANTS!''''


    As the parents of the newborns heard this, they quickly formed a line as they walk towards the platform! The Man in Golden Robes then ordered to bulky man to gather syrup using a barrel and placed the barrel in front of the platform as parents came one by one.


    The Golden robed man took a tiny cup, dipped it to gather syrup and then made the parent of the newborn blow air towards the cup in order for the baby to not be burned by the hot syrup. Then, as the lines go, the parents then continued coming up front.


    When the newborns were done. The Golden robed man then called for the young kids to come over. The young kids were in glee as they line up with cups on their hands. The Golden robed then smiled towards them as they lined up politely as the Golden Robed man poured their cups with the golden syrup. Then, as usual the lines go for a long time.


    Then after the distribution of syrup towards the kids were done. The Golden robed man then sit on a chair to take a rest for an hour as they also wait for the sap to be turn syrup. The Golden robed man then stood up his chair then look at the young man and women who can''t wait for their turn with a smile.


    ''''Then let us begin the giving towards the man and woman! Line u---------------------ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh it hurtsssssssssss my armmmmmmmmmmm'''' as the golden robed man was suddenly  pierced by an arrow.


    The crowd was stunned, the only thing that they have heard was the piercing of wind and the blood splattering quickly towards the ground. Right now the golden robed man was golden no more as he cries in pain in his own pool of blood writhing in agony.


    When Ava and I saw this. Ava then instinctively runs towards the Golden robed man in order to use her power to quickly heal the man before him bleed out.


    ''''Stop right there!'''' as an arrow was fired towards Ava to stop her in her tracks. Then a few sounds of familiar rustling and glares were felt by Stian. A familiar feeling that he had felt in two occasions.


    The crowd then started panicking, as cloth masked men wearing gray leather armor started appearing up the branches of the Wodfel tree as they draw their bows towards the guards and the people.


    Then a sinister looking man wearing a different armor jump towards the platform as he  quickly dispose of the two bulky man that were besides the Golden Robed man! The Sinister looking man then turn towards  the cauldron as he flick his wrist towards the sky! As two wyverns  appeared from the clouds and landed near the platforms.


    The murmurs of the crowd were exactly what is my expression towards these violent people...... Bandits who have come for the golden syrups. Ava once mentions that there were also people who can''t get enough of the syrup and sometimes plot to steal barrels of the tree''s saps.


    Seeing that the wyvern''s are probably there to carry the stuff back and forth till the tree stop giving sap. Though the tension of the crown right now is full fear due to the pointed arrows towards us. Though I may look calm, my heart is beating heavily... Though this is not the first time something happen to me due to seeing a same event during my few years as a photographer....


    Shaking slightly, I called towards Ava as I urged her to sit back towards me. Grabbing her hands, I can feel that she is slightly shaking either due to fear or anger. Despite her slight resistance, Ava gave in and sat back near me and grabbed my arms.


    Though, I do not know what is gonna next... all I can say that right now we are surrounded by a group of people that seems to be bandits and now in a dire situation of life and death.............


    The Happy Festival full of smiles and glee''s from a moment ago just now turned into a nightmare..

 Chapter 14 - The Blood Kins of Oss

    Chapter 14 - The Blood Kin''s of Oss


    Everything turns to a nightmare the moment the arrow pierced the Golden Robed man. Right now we are surrounded by a total of thirty bandits, fifteen on the ground watching us with swords and fifteen on the branches of the tree pointing their bow and arrows towards us. Right now the only thing I can is to keep Ava from running towards the Golden robed man. Though I know that she really wants to help the poor man. After all, she possesses the Helper''s Hand, the power given to her to give a helping hand towards those who are in need. But now all she can do is to grit her teeth and watched helplessly as the man bleed to death.


    Though, I do want to help the man, the bows and arrows pointed at us keeps me from trying. Though I do have my glock 22 on my boot. Against this much arrow there is no way I can win and I would be full of holes before I can even hit anyone. I am not a brave man, I may have experienced things like this, but every one of those scenarios were born of me trying to survive. Moving now would put in danger and I can risk that. I can''t be a brave hero who charges towards danger just because I have the blessing of the Wanderer''s Hand?


    No, that would be committing suicide in the spot! Think about it, thirty bandits who manage  to infiltrate a city without any problems and have possessed two wyverns. You can rightfully guess that these bandits aren''t small time and professionals who have done this before. Who would have the balls to do something like this without any profit? The only thing that you can assume at this rate is that someone must really want that sap for themselves and have paid big dough just for it.


    The Bandits in front of us didn''t talk and only focused on doing their jobs. The Sinister man who offed the two bulky men was currently instructing the men who was riding along with the wyverns to attach the cauldron towards the two wyverns along with the barrels of sap. The Wyvern''s were quite big and have bulky muscles that seems able to crush a building with a dive. But even with their size, the wyvern was not able to do any damage towards the tree and seems to live up to its reputation of being harden by the World Tree.


    Anyway, as i said there is nothing i can do. Me and Ava can only keep silent and observe the situation  helplessly.


    ''''This is terrible...'''' Ava muttered


    ''''I know, but we don''t have that much of a choice right now other than listen to them''''


    ''''..........''''


    ''''Listen, though i understand that you really wanted to help...But right now we don''t have the freedom to that. If we move forcefully right now we are gonna get skewered by arrows and be hacked to pieces with their swords.  If we move now there is also chance that we would anger the bandits''''


    ''''........''''


    "Please, don''t act rashly...This is for the sake of everyone''''


    ''''I understand, I''ll calm down.'''''' as Ava took a deep breath.


    After seeing her trying to calm herself down, I sighed inwardly and observed the surroundings. Though they are bandits they should not hurt anyone who follows their instructions. After all these bandits were rather gentle towards the mothers carrying their babies. And treated the young kids and elders gently without being to harsh while they treat the young men and women neutrally.


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    But since I am too paranoid to trust them just for this overly polite attitude towards the hostages. I channeled Wanderer''s hand energy towards my ears and with that I was able to hear more clearly and then listen to their conversation.


    ''''Hurry up, we need to finish gathering these things and secure these barrels'''' said the Sinister man.


    ''''Yes boss!'' replied the two grunts that are working on the cauldron attachments


    ''''Tsk, what a bunch of slowpokes, we need to hurry before the guards come here or even worse the Valkyries would notice our deed and we would be chased by those troublesome savages.'''' as the Sinister murmur by himself.


    Hearing the comment about the Valkyries, it seems that this man didn''t like the Valkyries. Though they seem to be having trouble with  the slow pace of his grunts..


    I then started observing the Sinister man as make complaints about the work place. Then after a long time when the work seems done a shout is heard that almost deafen me .


    ''''We will not kill the witnesses do you understand that !?''''the sinister man shouted in rage.


    ''''Oh, but the master has told us that this deal shall be quiet and clean? Are you breaking your contract?'''' as the thin man spoke towards the Sinister man.


    ''''Our contract only told us  that we will steal the saps of the tree and leave cleanly. It didn''t said anything about killing.'''' as the man glared at the thin man.


    ''''Hohohoho, you Blood Kin''s of Oss and your petty sense of not being able to let go of the past''''


    Sliced! as a blade quickly amputated the thin man''s arm


    ''''How dare you insult us! Do you wish for death? We The  Blood Kin''s of Oss doesn''t let anyone trample us! Though we are prideful and willful in what you call ''''sense'''' we will not stood as low as those savage valkyries who will murder the innocents due to an order of a stupid tree!'''' as the man glared with a bloodshot eyes!


    The grinning thin man''s expression of arrogance quickly vanished when his arm was cut off.


    ''''You filthy bandits! How dare you slice my arm! Don''t you know that i am the Representative of the master?! You shall not be paid! What do you say for yourself!


    ''''I Krauss Wolfmoon doesn''t fear  a dead man walking!'''' as the Sinister man named Krauss loop the head of the thin man in anger.


    ''''Like his last name , he seems to be as proud as a Wolf'''' as I thought while urging himself not to vomit from the disgusting scene that just happen. Though there were times that i have seen corpses during my few years as a photographer, especially dead mountain climbers eaten  by carnivores. Seeing a man being beheaded is something disgusting and vomit inducing...


    I then force back my vomit in order not to make a mess in here. Though there were people who were scared, they seems to a bit used to death. Was it because  is it normal in their daily lives to deal with death? Or is it just that i born from a world full  of laws is just not used to this? No...who would be used to such violence?


    Then as i was convincing myself to stay calm , sounds of multiple footsteps were heard in the distance as every bandits started emitting a blood thirsty aura.

 Chapter 15 - Defending away the Chaos

    Chapter 15 - Defending away the Chaos


    The passive neutral bandit''s suddenly turn cold as they emit bloodthirsty auras. The fifteen bandits then rush towards the source and then saw as the guards of Wodfel are arriving. The bandits then readied themselves as the footsteps of the soldiers started coming in. While the man named Krauss then ordered the two grunts to carry off the  cauldron and the few barrels  and fly away!


    The guards who have arrived have seen the two wyverns carrying the cauldrons  quickly draw their enchanted bows to  fire at the wyverns!


    Swoosh! as an arrow flew towards the wyverns as it burns and head straight towards the flying wyverns!


    Then,  seeing the arrows fired. The Sinister man named Krauss then click his tongue as move and jump with extreme speed as he draws his blades and single handedly  deflected them from the wyverns!


    The bandits who saw their leader deflecting the arrows, then charged towards the guards as they move in a synchronized manner!


    Clang! Clang! Clang! as the sounds of metal clashing resounds towards the area as the people in the crowd panic! Being stunned by the amazing feats done by the not so Sinister man. I Stian, didn''t even have the time to think! The sounds of flesh being cut and horrendous screams surrounded the area!


    Being left in an awe of disgust towards the scenes of happening. I then look at my side in daze as I saw that Ava who should be seated next to me rushes towards the Golden Robed man! Seeing her go, I instinctively panic inside and chase after her!


    As Ava runs towards the Golden robed man who is still writhing in pain. One of the bandits who were pointing their bows and arrows notice Ava and then shouted at her:


    ''''Stop right there!'''' as the bandit pointed his bow towards Ava and launch an arrow towards her!


    Danger! As that thought rings over my head, I then used the blessing of my wanderer''s hand to enhance my passive strength even further and dashed towards Ava!


    But contrary towards my expectations, Ava did not stop and took out her decorated stick or wand, gathered energy as she then painted it on the ground as roots started growing and shielded her from the arrow!


    Seeing the scene, I seem to have underestimated Ava and it seems she is indeed a mage! Nonetheless, due to my over speed using my blessing! Before I crashed towards the shield roots I then slowed down a bit, put my hand towards the wall and using the momentum of my speed as I tilt, did a wall spin to redirect my speed!


    Ava then, open the front roots of her  conjured shield of roots and continued running towards the golden robed man!


    The bandit, who fired the arrow seems upset that the arrow didn''t hit, jumped down and rushed towards Ava to subdue her!


    As I saw the bandit come towards Ava, I then climbed the shield roots that were conjured and used it to dash over the bandit! The bandit with his speed raised his blade and targeted Ava''s leg in order to wound and forced her to stop!


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Before the bandit can even slash downward, I then use my enhance speed to grab the bandit''s arm straight across my body while rotating his wrist, I then take a step back with my right foot and, keep the bandit''s hand controlled against his hip while I pivot to the right while I continue to apply downward pressure on his arm as I take him down towards the ground and effectively disarming him!


    The bandit writhe in pain as I lock his wrist, seeing that I need to hurry up, I then hit the back of his head using my knuckles to knock him down! I then let go of his wrist as I run after Ava!


    " Wait up!'' ''as i shouted towards Ava.


    ''''..........''''


    Seeing that she didn''t even reply, I then rushed towards her with my speed and then followed behind. ''''Damn it!'''' as I thought about her actions. Using the choice to run towards the golden robed man, shouldn''t we wait instead of doing this kind of reckless thing? Damn it! Damn it! If she wasn''t my benefactor and friend then I would have stayed there like a good boy!


    As Ava arrived at the golden robed man, she then immediately uses her right hand to hold her decorated wand and channeled her blessing towards it as the energy threads pulled the arrow lodge in the man''s arm and sewed the wound till it closed.


    The Golden Robed man then stopped his writhing in pain as he then looks towards Ava and said:


    "Thank you....for helping me young lady''''


    ''''It''s fine...please stand we need to get you out here  so you can save all these people''''


    Fuck, how the hell do we get out here? Goddamn it! Is she having shortsightedness right now? Damn, i knew she want''s to extend a helping hand but shouldn''t she think about it first? I don''t understand ....is this because of the blessing of hers? Or is it just her mindset?


    Meanwhile, as the bandits around the tree saw one of them was taken down and knock unconscious, they only clicked their tongue and continued supporting the bandits on the ground who is now currently fighting the wodfel guards.


    The guards and the bandits were evenly matched! Though more guards were coming ,the bandits and it''s leader didn''t lose their focus and fought their battles and fight in unity!


    The Wodfel guards who arrived right at the moment, saw the bandits clashing with their fellow guards and thought they are doing well. But right now their priority is to save the Golden Robed man who is also the City lord of Wodfel City! When they look around, the guards saw the city lord having two people beside him! The man is watching the two and keeping his heads ups while the robed woman was currently treating the city lord on what it seems to be an injury.


    Seeing the city lord alive, the guards didn''t falter no more and charged their way towards the golden robed man with their heavy armor and shields! Though there is a lot of people needed to be saved, they must prioritize the man who leads Wodfel City to be safe at most! Without the golden robed man, this city would fall into chaos and that is one thing they can never allow!!

 Chapter 16 - Escape

    Chapter 16 - Escape


    The guards wearing heavy armors and shield were unstoppable. With their shields and armors the arrows of the bandits and swords were useless when they decided to charge together. The guards then arrive at the golden robed man and encircled the city lord.


    As the guard circle was formed  one of the guards who seems to be the captain of these guards then walk towards the city lord and said:


    "Are you alright m''lord?'''' said the man.


    ''''Ah, yes, I seem to have calmed down and the pain is gone... You should thank the young lady here that have rescued me'''' said the City Lord.


    The man then faces Ava and said. ''''I on the behalf the guards thank you for your assistance, may I know your name?''''


    ''''I am Ava Wondergovel, a doctor specialist. I help the city lord due to his wounds and out of wanting to extend a helping hand.''''


    ''''I, Gaius Nirel, thank you for saving our city lord.'''' as the man named Gaius look at me and said ''''May I also know your name?''''


    ''''Yes.... I am Stian Peregrine, and like my name I am a wanderer and a pilgrim. Though I honestly am here just because my friend have rushed to save the city lord.''''


    ''''Nonetheless, if you haven''t protected the young woman then should have probably have not reached our city lord.'''' as Gaius look at the knocked down bandit.


    ''''But let''s get into the point, right now we need to escort the city lord out of this mess and that we need to get more reinforcements on the outpost near the West Nectar street. We only have come here due to a patrolling guard hearing the city lords scream and have reported back in the based of the Wodfel Tree''s outpost.''''


    I see, so the reason they are able to respond is due to coincidence. But now the problem is that I am stuck here with them.


    Gaius continued. ''''Right now, we can assume that with those wyverns and this kind of unity in battling that these bandits are the well known Blood Kin''s of Oss. Which means that if that is the case, those two wyverns are not the only one they have. So we are gonna expect that they have either a way to escape this city or that they still have an objective that they need to accomplish... But right now we have no way of knowing that and so we will have to make the city lord''s reach safety!''''


    I see, though they prioritize stealing those cauldrons and barrels they didn''t leave immediately. But what is it?


    ''''So what exactly do we do?'''' i asked.


    ''''We need  a runner, someone with fast legs and can evade the eyes of these people''''


    When Captain Gaius said that , Ava''s eyes point at me. I gulped.....


    ''''Mr Stian....can i ask a favor'''' said Ava tearfully.


    "What is it?'''' though i do know is in her mind i still asked.


    "''Please, be the runner, with your wanderer''s hand it should be possible to reach West Nectar Street!''''


    ''''...........''''


    Goddamn it! Fuck! Oh man, this is really troublesome....sighed. No choice here huh, i already involve myself anyway so why the fuck not do it? But what if i fail? But what if they are faster than me? What if ?...........No there is nothing i can do now aren''t it?


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    ''''I accept.....''''


    Ava look at me gladly and then spoke:


    ''''Thank you!, Captain Gaius please instruct  Stian on the task his gonna do!''''


    ''''Do you know where West Nectar street is?'''' Gaius asked.


    ''''Yes, i am currently staying on the Vicar Inn.''''


    ''''Then take this.'''' as Gaius handed a badge. ''''Take this to the commanding officer of the outpost there. He should know what to do when shown that badge.''''


    ''''I see, then how should i start to run from this chaos'''' i asked.


    ''''Let me help then'''' as Ava painted the ground with her energy as the roots covered us.


    ''''Then im off. See you later Ava'''' as i channeled the white threads of energy around my body as i turn invisible. Then seeing the roots go down i took the chance to jump quietly and silently walked towards the road leading down the Tree.


    Carefully avoiding everyone, I sneakily go past the crowd of people and then crouched to reduce the noise i make. Then using the commotion use by the clang of metals. I started running and pass the guards and bandits.


    Meanwhile as i was sneaking quietly taking a step, a loud roar vibrated around the area as a group of riders mounting wyverns roared and descended towards the guards!


    Seeing the group of  wyverns appear, the heavy armor guard Captain Gaius and his squad took a a defensive position while  Ava started taking control of the roots that she summon and made use of it as giant whips that slaps  them off the sky.


    There were total of ten wyvern riders among them.  The Sinister man named Krauss Wolfmoon then shouted towards them:


    ''''Don''t let any guards or helpers escape! Cast Detect Aura and Detect life!'''' as he ordered.


    Seeing the wyvern riders agreed. They quickly cast the two spells!


    Having a bad feeling about  those two spells, i then quickly run towards the pathway heading down with extreme speed! Adrenaline coupled with  the blessing of the Wanderer''s Hand have made my pace to arrive near the based of the tree! But then as i was about to continue heading down. I feel my body glow as my invisible shape was revealed !


    When the enemies sense the human formed glow, five of the riders shouted:


    ''''After him!!!!!'''' as they shouted and pointed their swords towards me.


    Hearing their roars, i then quickly dashed off and jump towards a nearby roof and slowly descended while doing a roll to break my fall! Due to my enhance capabilities i was able to successfully rolled to safety and using the momentum given by the roll started my quick stride towards West Nectar Street! Invisibility has no use right now since i have been detected by the spells so i turn my invisibility off and focus the energy threads on my body as they wrapped my bones, muscles and skins making white lines as i run even faster!


    I must either escape here or get rid of them! I must reach West Nectar Street as fast as possible!

 Chapter 17 - Its either me or them!

    Chapter 17 - It''s either me or them!


    Running on the roof I heard the roars of wyverns chasing me as I jump from roof to roof. Having no time to stop and look back, I turn my head and saw the enemies draw their bows towards me!


    Danger! As the alarms in my head rings with intensity as I started zigzagging my steps while sticking close to anything that can be used as a cover!


    Swoosh! Swoosh! as arrows fly towards my legs! Though it seems that they are trying to subdue me then kill me. I didn''t falter and grit my teeth as I grab a wooden bar as I then use my enhance strength to quickly pull myself up and run forward on the platform while dodging the incoming arrows!


    Beat! Beat! as my heart started beating even faster as the adrenaline inside my body pumps!  Taking a side step to the right to dodge the arrow, I then put my right foot towards the wall, put strength on it and then leap off  wall to wall and then using both my arms to quickly grab the roof''s edge!


    Quickly pulling myself up from a hanging position, I then jump up towards the support columns that holds plants as I use them as my stepping stones to cross the path while taking cover from the arrows! As I step and broke the plot of plants as I run over, I then put both my hands on the walls near the columns to rotate my body and plant both of my foot and use the walls a springboard to grab the edge of the roof I took hold on!


    Then, as I run towards the roof, I then spotted a chimney and then without hesitation jump inside of it as it seems that there no fire being started! Falling inside the chimney, I then straighten my legs to kick the metal grates that prevent the birds and other animals to enter into being forcefully open!


    Landing inside the fireplace and rolling out immediately, I then headed towards the open window as I jump down the alleyway and then run as I traverse the back alleys!


    Before I can even take a breath, I saw one of the riders aiming for me as he draws his bows and fire two arrows at my location! Then instinctively I ran towards what it seems to a wooden pump and grabbed the left behind wide bucket to act as a shield!


    Pierce! Pierce! as the two arrows lodge towards the bucket as they almost stab towards me, but thankfully the arrows stop as the feathers got stuck towards the bucket! Throwing the bucket away, I then wall run up a wall, then put my right foot towards a broken part of the wall as step to quickly jump to a rough path as I stride with a fast pace!


    Seeing the wide gap between the roof I am running and the roof I''m planning to run to! Gritting my teeth and clenching my fist. I then speed up my running speed as I gather strength in my legs and then did a gap jump! Then, feeling the air touching my cheeks, I then saw a shadow pass as I look back and saw another wyvern rider pull his bow while grinning that seems to say ''''Gotcha''''.


    Danger... Danger....... danger as that word runs through my head like a press machine. Seeing the sling of the bow quickly being let go off... The world seems slow as a I think about what to do! Then, feeling my legs, I then got an epiphany while in midair and then form my body into a fetal position!


    Then, using the position to flip my body in front, I then grabbed the glock 22 hidden in my boots as I quickly position my body in a laying form as I then twist my upper torso and position my body like a '' ?'' and then lean on my back to parry the approaching arrow with the slide of my gun!


    Clang! as I use the panel of my gun to hit the wooden body of the arrow as I then landed using my back towards the roof and then I place my hands on the panel on the roof and lift my hips over the head then push my body upright and did a backward roll!


    Not wasting any time, I jump down from the roof and then head towards an area I can use for cover. Judging by the situation in front of me. It seems that if I don''t subdue the wyvern riders that are chasing me, then running is useless. Judging by the speed of the wyvern, it seems that if I am right. That wyvern can possibly pass 100km/h or more than that. Seeing that my current speed isn''t gonna be enough to outrun that kind of beast!


    So what is the solution? A Lethal hit and run. There is no way that these wyvern riders are gonna let me live! So the only way is to fight back! Though it is against my moral code to kill a person, I am not against it when it comes to self defense! It''s me or them! I may have soiled my hands with blood once and it still haunts me these days... But! I cannot allow these fuckers to do what they want with my life!


    Analyzing the current situation right now. In my holding, I have my custom, glock 22 that have 22 rounds per magazine, and currently have 3 extra magazines strap on my waist which means I have a total of 66 rounds of bullets. With the sight radius of 6.5 inches and have an effective firing range of 50 yards and equip with a 9mm ammunition rather than.40 Cal ammunition due to me is converting and customizing the gun to be equipped with 9mm bullets because the .40 could have too much recoil in my opinion.. though I am regretting it now that I don''t have that much firepower right now.


    Anyway, with my current abilities and heighten perception I should be able to accurately hit a flying wyvern rider within 25 feet of firing range and subdue them. Though the recoil wouldn''t be any problem due to my enhance strength that is now super human and the only thing left to do now is how to take them down.


    Hearing the sound of flapping wings, I took the initiative to use the edges of the wall that I lean my back on to climb stealthily while turning my invisible on both me and my gun. Thought I leave the iron sight visible so I can easily aim at the enemies. Though I did turn invisible, my body is still glowing from the effect of the spell <Detect Aura> and <Detect Life>.


    Though by using the shadows from the chimneys and walls, I quietly continue my scaling and and continued on, then after seeing a column with a few gaps on it, I then cat jump at the column while keeping boots from making too much noise in order not to attract the wyvern riders that are currently encircling this area in survey.


    Climbing on the back of the column, I spotted a wyvern rider that is currently turning its back on me. Seeing the opportunity I then quickly close in the 5 foot distance to enter the estimated distance I can fire at the rider. Locking my legs on the gaps of the wall I am on.


    I took an orthodox style handling my gun as I keep my trigger finger adjusted on the trigger. Then started the counted till i shot.


    3........2.......1.......BANG!  As I shot 2 bullets towards the rider and 2 shots against the wyvern. Though the wyvern didn''t seem to have taken a damage due to it''s harden scales. The wyvern rider was first hit in the stomach and staggered like he was being hit by a hammer. Then when the second bullet hit his ribs and penetrated his lungs, he was still able to hang on due to what it seems to be his pain threshold holding him on.


    Not giving him the chance to recover. With the distance of 23 feet, I gathered enough strength to leap off from wall to wall and then using both of my legs to jump towards the wyvern as I grab the stirrup of the wyvern''s saddle and use the fender and the flank billet of the saddle to quickly jump up the wyvern as I use both of my legs to hit the punctured parts the bullet penetrated and forcefully have the rider dismount.


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    I then suppressed the rising urge in my stomach to vomit as I saw the rider''s body fall towards the ground and made a splatting sound as the rider hit the floor violently. Then, using my mind to calm myself down and reminded myself that it''s either me or them. I then grab the pocket knife hiding in my pocket as I stuck it on the harness of the wyvern''s saddle and freeing it and unable to be used. After all, I don''t have the riding skills needed to ride a wyvern so even if I did capture it, then it would be no use if I don''t have the know and how''s to navigate it.


    Jumping off the wyvern, I then stuck my pocket knife back in my pocket while I stuck my gun on my bracer as I roll to break my fall. Having shot 4 rounds towards that rider, I currently have now 18 rounds left in this magazine, being able to accurately hit my target even surprised me myself. Though the only reason why I manage to do the deed is probably because of my enhance abilities.


    Seeing that I am just repeating my  own statements. I did look back and a saw  the four wyvern  riders coming over because of the gunshot noise my gun produced plus the fact that they probably saw one of their tamed wyvern flew towards the sky without a rider.


    The four approached menacingly as they draw their bows while shouting  lines like:


    ''''We got you now!'''' ''''You''ll pay for that'''' and etc.


    But I didn''t back down...I was not afraid, after all I know the real truth.


    That according to a certain science show in my world that Gun''s are greater than their bows. I quote:


    ''''The average arrow fired from a bow travels at about 250 feet per second. Let¡¯s say you respond at the moment you see the shooter releasing the arrow. With a reaction time of 0.20 seconds, you would need to be 50 feet away to react and dodge the arrow.


    Meanwhile the average bullet travels at 2,500 feet per second (around 1,700 mph). If you reacted to the sound of the gun going off and required 0.20 seconds  to react, then you would need to be at least 500 feet away to successfully dodge a bullet. The problem is that sound travels at 768 miles per hour (1,126 feet per second)¡ªabout half the speed of the bullet. In this case, the bullet would hit you before you even heard the gun fire off.''''


    So what does it mean? If these fucks who wants my life wanted to survive, then they needed to be faster than the speed of sound itself!


    I then faced them off as I channeled the gunslinger spirit inside me as I draw my guns towards my foes as I emptied 18 rounds of bullets towards my enemies. Being barrage by 9mm bullets in a 27 foot firing distance. The enemy who was riding the wyverns were hit 4 times a row each and I wasted 16 bullets while the other 2 bullets missed. Though was a bit of shocked towards their resilience!


    Two of the riders were gunned down  and was not able to endure the pain of the hammer like impact and the burning sensation that the bullets leave made them lose their breath and died. The other rider was writhing in pain while the other raider were emitting energy threads that appeared like lines on their body.


    Before I can even reload my weapon, the Rider who is emitting red energy lines suddenly vanished! Alert! as I put my guard up and raised my hands towards my stomach! But then seeing the rider who moves like sound in my right flank. I then tried to block his attack, but was too late in preventing the berserk rider from kicking my sides!


    Smash! As I flew towards the opposite direction of where the rider kick me. Coughing a mouthful of blood as I feel one bone of my rib broke and scratch my lung. Seeing the berserk rider approached, I grabbed a magazine in my waist as I reload my weapon and pointed the barrel of the gun towards the enemy.


    Bang! Bang! as I shot 4 rounds of bullets towards the zigzagging enemy. It''s seems that due to the way I have taken down the other riders. The Berserk rider seems like he has given up on dodging the bullets and instead focused on the barrel of the gun and moved away as the barrel points at them.


    As I shot more 15 rounds towards the enemy, I then draw the pocket knife in my pocket and started defending against his next assault. The enemy was shot 12 times already, but due to the red energy, he like a beast then charges at me as if he can''t feel pain.


    The enemy approached, but due to the previous attack he did. I then think ahead where he would strike and then saw his legs twitch as I then move and jump my legs from his leg sweep. Then, using the chance, I then stab my pocket knife towards his chest and then used my legs to kick his body away and leap back.


    The enemy who didn''t feel pain bleed as the knife penetrated his lungs. Though I can hear the heavy grasping of my enemy, I continuously convince myself to believe and repeated "It''s either him or me will be left alive'''' like a broken record.


    The enemy approach even faster as I tried to gasp his attack when suddenly twisted his torso and landed a strike on my chest! Cough Cough! as I vomited blood due to the impact down to my chest. More than three hits and I probably would die here!


    Dodging with all my got as I stride and  took a step towards every direction. I then decided that I have no choice but to gamble this last attack and focus all of my concentration towards this movement!


    The enemy dashed and swing his arm towards me as it hit my stomach and shook my internal organs! Feeling the intense pain that was done on my organs. I then lodge the pocket knife on my left hand towards his arm and buried it deeply on his joints. Then raising my right hand, I pointed the barrel of my gun towards the berserk rider and.... pulled the trigger with no hesitation!


    Bang! As the bullet penetrates the enemy''s glabella and directly lodge inside the Rider''s brain! Then, as if like a puppet who lose his strings, the berserk rider lost his strength and fall heavily towards the ground.


    Kneeling due to the intense pain. I grit my teeth as I stand up and steadily glance at the spot where the rider who was writhing in pain should be and clicked my tongued when I found out that the last rider escaped! Seeing the damage in my body, I then took another magazine from my waist and reloaded my gun as I walk over the edge of the roof and leap down the alley!


    My organs shook during impact and then vomited blood as I then start walking faster towards West Nectar Street! Right now if I don''t hurry up and take some morphine inside my backpack, which I left at the Inn. Then I would probably faint from the pain if the adrenaline in my body stops pumping! Pulling all the strength I can muster, I took unsteady steps as I headed in the direction  where the street and Inn is located!

 Chapter 18 - Paranoia

    Chapter 18 - Paranoia


    As i breath heavily, i find myself slowing walking towards the street and look at the signs. Due to my broken rib and heavy injuries on my internal organs. I have no way of running without  injuring myself even further. Though right now I am heavily running on adrenaline due to the life and death situation I am in right now.


    Passing through the streets my appearances was not that notice due to the black cloak that covers me that really hides my injuries well. There are times that I would feel hazy but I then grit my teeth and remind myself that I have two goals right now. One is to call reinforcements for the guards on the top of wodfel tree, and the second objective, Is to retrieve morphine from my backpack and retrieve my belongings and refill the used magazines.


    Seeing the street finally, I then walk towards the street and into the Vicar Inn''s door and entered. Hearing the bell doors chime, the receptionist then look at me and saw my limping figure and then asked:


    ''''Are you okay guest?'''' the receptionist asked.


    ''''Ye--.'''' before I can even continue I thought for  a while If I should say the events to this receptionist and have the receptionist help? Though wouldn''t also means that I am involving the receptionist in this trouble? But what if the receptionist can help? No.......with my injuries I need help, and I am desperate right now.


    ''''No, I am not okay, I have one broken rib, one scratch lung and my internal organs are battered...And I need to reach the outpost base here on Nectar Street.''''


    Hearing my response, The Receptionist then headed towards me in panic and said'' '' What happen? Can i help somehow? No, please go to your room first and I''ll call a healer nearby and have someone go to the outpost and have you escorted there...So please go to your room'''' the Receptionist said professionally.


    Hearing that professionalism remark of the receptionist. I only nodded and headed towards my room, grab the key from pocket and then open the room and head inside. Then disabling the traps I have set in case someone tried to stole my belongings, I then quickly took took out a 50 ml morphine and took out a reusable medical injection needle, grab a rubber band and tightly wrapped it around my arm and injected the morphine.


    Then feeling the numbness of the medicine taking effect. I then put them all back in the med kit and took out my ammunition box from the inside and took out 44 9mm  rounds which from 2000 rounds will be subtracted to 1956 rounds. Pulling out the magazines, I then put the 44 rounds of bullets  into them and then strap them into my waist.


    Then Grabbing all the Custom mini uzi''s magazine from the backpack which were already loaded with magazines. I then rearrange them into a more proper order so that I can easily pull them out in case I have to reload my weapon. Then putting my glock 22 back to my boots. I then took out the goggle mask in my backpack just in case I have to deal with more blood splats along the way and strapped my backpack and was about to go towards the door.


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    When the door open In my paranoia , I pulled myself into the corner of the door then pointed the barrel of my uzi towards the person who entered. Seeing that it''s the receptionist, I lowered my gun down and back off and saw that there is one soldier that wears clothes the same armor as Captain Gaius''s troops squad had and the other one is seems to be wearing an outfit and have the strange vials on his bags.


    ''''Guest, this is the healer of this street named Marcus Olvan and the other one is a soldier from the outpost who will escort you. But before that please let Mr Marcus heal you.''''


    ''''Understood'''' as I agree without hesitation due to the receptionist''s words.


    Then the Healer named Marcus casted a spell in front and told me that the healing spell he will  do now will just reattach and heal the bones. Then after I felt the spell actually taking effect, the Healer named Marcus then handed me a vial of of what it seems a red liquid and drink it. Then Marcus said that the medicine will  heal the scratch on my lung and the damages on my internal organs. Though he did say that if my injuries were deeper, then all he could do was probably just lessen the damage which is akin to applying first aid treatment till I got to place of healing.


    And after the treatment is done, the guard from the outpost come over as I paranoid talk all the event''s  that happen and how I got injured. The guard then frowned as I mention the blood kin''s of Oss and how the City lord is in danger right now. Wasting no time, the Guard and I then started walking out while the Healer named Marcus and the Receptionist bid us farewell.


    Seeing that the healing did by the healer named Marcus did a find good job. I then stride along with the guard while keeping an eye for anything suspicious. Though I am probably just being paranoid, I can still not let my guard down right now and the fact that I don''t know if that other wyvern rider is just hiding somewhere waiting for a chance to strike.


    Arriving at the outpost, me and the guard then arrived at the Commanding officer''s office and then relayed all the details needed to the Commanding Officer of the Outpost and give him the badge given by Captain Gaius. Then seeing the badge, the Commanding Officer then send out couriers towards the outpost near the wodfel tree and the nearest ones to rally towards the tree and rescue the City Lord and the hostages!


    Having my job done, I then sighed and then asked the Commanding Officer that I accompany back. Though the Officer was saying no, I then convinced him by telling him how I defeated  3 wyvern riders and one of them have a berserker''s Undying Blessing.


    After convincing the Officer, I then marched forward in haste along with guards towards the Wodfel tree. Though I know that they could probably do it and win, but I am too paranoid to left Ava there and too paranoid to know what is her situation!

 Chapter 19 - Cold Heart

    Chapter 19 - Cold Heart


    As the sound  of boots marching together as it headed towards the top of the  Wodfel Tree in a hurry. Among the group of guards were Stian. Right now the group that is like a bull horde have come rushing towards the streets of the city as they push along everything that stands their way. Whether stalls or carts were push away without effort.


    Seeing that the march of the Wodfel Guards were intimidating. The people did not dare to stand in their way as they step into the sidelines watching the army march towards the Wodfel Tree.


    Meanwhile, as I followed behind the commanding officer and arrived at the wodfel tree''s base. The Commanding Officer surrounded the exits and line up bowmen and ballistas for any wyvern riders that would come out of they sky. Running towards the top of the tree along with the Captain the of the Guards we have arrive at the top of the tree of Wodfel.


    There we saw Captain Gaius who is now currently fighting with the Sinister man named Krauss. At the top of the tree were corpses of both guards and Blood Kin''s of Oss. At the platform there bloodies guards encircling a man and a woman. The Woman is Ava and the man on the ground laying weakly is the City Lord of Wodfel.


    Though, the guards were bloody, you can see roots behind them that acts like a support and vines that seems to provide them with continuous healing while at bunch of spear like roots keep attacking the airborne creatures. The one who seems to be breathing heavily is Ava.


    Standing valiantly like a war goddess unable to back down to any foes. Despite the continuous assault of the wyvern riders, she is still putting all her efforts on maintaining the encircled heavy guards healed while she fends of the enemies with her attacks.


    The Captain of Guard  that I have come along with didn''t falter anymore raised his weapons to launch an attack. The ones original bandits of thirty has no been reduce to 13. With our numbers  there would be no problem overpowering them. But no matter how you look at It the remaining thirteen bandits who included the Sinister man named Krauss are a strong bunch.


    Having a bad feeling lurking inside me, I decided to run towards Ava and warn her about the gut feeling I am having. Why only her you ask? Because my reason for being here IS because of her!


    So i run!


    Dodge! as I duck the arrow fired at men and drawn my friend called Uzi. Then I pointed my lovely friend Uzi at the arrow man and the pullet the trigger. The man did not even have the time to react as the bullet coming from my friend name Uzi traveled at the speed of sound as it penetrates his chest area.


    The surroundings turn silent from the loud gunshot. They gaze and look at me as I run pass the stunned crown and jump towards the encirclement of heavy guards and then said to Ava:


    ''''I am back Ms Ava, are you okay?'''' i said worriedly.


    "Yes!  I am fine! Thank Gaia your alive!'''' Ava said in teary eyes.


    Then, as If the stunned guards and bandits woke from their daze. They then continued their fighting while the guards ignored the gunshot and focus towards the enemies since the strange weapon was coming from an ally. While the bandits are now sweating beads as they raise their guards even more and put on a warning look against me.


    Fighting side by side, Ava uses hear spear roots to try gouging the enemy while I pointed my friend named Uzi and have him spit leads towards the enemies. Not going full automatic on the flying rider''s while keeping my trigger discipline was a must for me.


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    In the corner Captain Gaius who is now facing off the bandit leader named Krauss shouted:


    ''''Surrender now! Tell me your plans!''''


    ''''Who would do that you dumb ass?'''' as the Sinister man Krauss mocked the Captain''s line.


    ''''Why you!'''' as the Captain pulled  his arm behind and used the strength and weight of his body to swing his sword towards the bandit.


    Calm like water, the bandit leader , then quickly dash to the sides as he uses  his weapon to smash against the enemy''s sword and redirect it!


    The Captain who have his sword directed then lean his back and rolled backwards and dash forward as put his shield into his back and took a two handed stance. Then as if the  palm of his left hand glowed and envelop the sword in his hand.  The bandit leader then grew quickly alarmed as he said:


    "Blessing of the Guardsmen....tch'''' as the man named Krauss clicked his tongue.


    The Captain who''s sword glow like a sword of justice then step forward and pointed his sword forward as he unleash a blast of energy towards his enemy. Then as the smoke fades out from the blast, the man named Krauss then appeared and clench his left hand as purple energy envelops it as the energy forms an illusion and replica of Krauss.


    ''''Blessing of the Mirage Rogue .....how troublesome.''''


    As the two figures move, the enemy bandit leader and his replica then rushed towards different directions. Krauss then use the Blessing of his to summon chain like energies towards the original bandit and have him focus on him! But despite that he was unable to capture the replica!


    Having witness the danger of Blessed given people,  I then took the front to shield Ava as the one of the guards in the circle collapse due to the arrow that penetrated on his neck. Then using my own blessing, I then started furiously at the wyvern riders as I distract them with a hail of bullets as Ava then  gouge them with her spear roots. Then I turn around towards the back as I saw Ava rush towards the City lord to stop an arrow.


    Thinking fast in my feet, I then use the shield in the ground and throw it towards the direction of the arrow. Then sheathing my Uzi ,I then took one of the fallen guard''s sword  and then throw it towards the  bandit approaching Ava! The guard didn''t got penetrated by the sword but stumbled enough that Ava can direct her spear roots to stab the enemy .Then seeing the replica of the bandit leader come along, I then started rushing towards him as Ava shouted:


    ''''Watch outtttttt!!


    As I saw a familiar Wyvern Rider approached me in the back, I then dodge his thrust, and grabbed his wrist as I slam him down towards the ground, then seeing the  bandit leader approached, I then tried taking out my Uzi..but was stop as a sound of flesh being penetrated and intense pain in my body entered in my chest as I struggled  and kick heavily towards the replica''s throat!


    Then, I knelled heavily on the ground as I saw the hole near my heart ooze with blood as the world spin and my mind and body felt heavy as I then laid on the cold ground putting my hands on my wound as I writhe in agony while I feel my heart grew faint and cold!...........

 Chapter 20 - Shadow of the Wanderer

    Chapter 20 - Shadow of the Wanderer


    Feeling my body lose strength as I lie down clutching my chest for  air. Blood splattered towards the ground as  I writhe. I feel my heart beat slowly as I seem to have manage to avoid my heart from being completely piece by struggling quickly during the exchange of blows. My body felt cold as I breath even harder for some air.


    As my vision tunnels, I then saw the clashes of the people around me. Not being able to look back at Ava. I then stared as the guard reinforcements I have contact with struggled against  the 12 bandit''s who seems to possess their own blessings too. Captain Gaius was exchanging blows with the Bandit Krauss as they weave their swords swiftly.


    Not being able to gather strength, I then use my shivering hands to grab the morphine in my backpack as I directly stabbed it towards my arm without further due. Then slowly the pain resides, yet I still struggled grasping breath as the bleeding didn''t stop. Then as if gravity is against me , I slowly felt as if the world became heavier as the damage in my body spread.


    Internal Bleeding seems to be currently happening in my body and I don''t patch this up soon then I would die.....


    Die?  I ask myself....Stian....me........ gonna die here?


    Stian Peregrine, a wanderer who got transported into an other world will die here? Who have not even spend a week here will die? Isn''t that just cruel?  Stian grumbled.


    Stian thought that despite all the blessings he have been given, it seems his life will end here.  Feeling helpless, Stian slowly move his left hand towards his face as he lean his back on the ground and look at the mark on  his left palm and thought:


    Enhance Strength , the ability given by the Wanderer''s Hand towards the given in order for the person possessing the Hand to endure the travels and harshness of the World.


    Invisibility, the ability given by the Wanderer''s Hand towards the possessor of the blessing to be shielded from the eyes of the greedy and the hunters that stalks the wanderer...


    Even though these powers are already helpful, what about the  phantom ability? What does it mean?  Stian thought deeply while heavily grasping for air and then thought again:


    They say that it is common for Wanderer to be lone....they say that the wanderlust of a wanderer is caused by an irresistible desire to travel to understand one''s very existence as because they are lost.


    Though are wanderer''s really alone in the road they take? No, behind them is a shadow....a phantom that they carry behind them... The shadow in the ground, that helps you know the location of the direction...The shadow that helps when you are lost.


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    So I declare, that no wanderer travels alone without the phantoms behind their backs.. Now that I am about to be lost in a wrong direction  and head to death.....I shall use the Shadow of the wanderer to help me through!


    .


    .


    .


    The Hand of the Wanderer who has the glow of white slowly turn back as the phantom of Stian moves towards his hand as they infect the energy with shadow. The white energy threads turn from white to black as they slowly turn into black threads of energy lines as they wrap Stian''s body with black smoky lines that seems to turn Stian into a Phantom that is akin to a Shadow wraith.


    Stian''s wounds disappeared like a shadow in the night as he stands his ground. With his google mask being covered by the smoking black energy threads of lines, Stian''s face looks like they blended together forming a skull like look and his eyes glinting in shadowy black as the goggles covered in smoking black lines reflect the lights.His body, due to being covered in black cloak gave a look akin to a ghostly shadow of death that will reap anyone who dares to oppose it.


    Swoosh! As the Phantom Turned Stian move like instantly like a shadow letting behind a mix of black and white of smoke due to the glow of white lines under the black threads glow as Stian use his enhance strength to move even faster due to his Shadow form!


    Arrows fire at the Shadowed Stian as he moves likes a phantom and pointed a weapon towards his enemies!


    Bang! As the uzi fires a hail of bullets towards the bandits fighting!


    The Bandits even with their blessings was unable to dodge and did not manage to endure the burning projectiles that  gouge their bodies and slowly fall to the ground one by one. The Wyvern rider''s who got gouge by Ava''s spear roots who saw their comrades die flew in rage as they change directions from Ava and turn towards Stian.


    Then with a a sound and swoosh of cold wind was felt. The rider''s who charge after Stian then found themselves facing the weapon of terror that did not even give their comrades a chance of victory. Not faltering, the Rider''s charges towards the Shadowed Wanderer and tried to stab forward but was forcefully stop when a loud sound came out of the strange weapon!


    Then as if stunned by the sudden holes in their body. The Rider''s then look at the Shadowed Figure clad in black cloak took out some sort of object as it inserted the object towards his weapon and pulled some sort of lever before disappearing again like a smoke.

 Chapter 21 - An Epiphany during the slaughter

    Chapter 21 -  An Epiphany  during the slaughter


    Appearing like a  smoke, I turn my sights on the bandits that is still standing. After eliminating the riders of the wyverns, I have decided to turn my weapon towards them.


    But I ask myself.....


    Why am I chasing after these ''villains''? Why am I here? Why am I even fighting them from the start? Where did all this slaughter start from? Why am I fighting these bandits that didn''t even attack me? Why?


    Didn''t I say that It''s against my moral code to kill people unless it''s for self defense? Then  why am I chasing these bandits and poking holes in their bodies?


    ...Yes, I remember now, the reason why I got involve in this fucked up situation. What if I refused Ava the moment she made that request of me being  a runner? I know that I owe her for curing the suppose ''''language eater'''' curse and activating the Wanderer''s Had which had helped me.


    But is it worth slaughtering these people that I am chasing right now? If I didn''t attack them then they wouldn''t have  fight back. During the time I was escaping those riders, I manage to kill them using my gun because they have attacked me first. It was either me or them that will die.


    But what if I tried to reason with those riders? I mean if I did then I would probably have just handed Captain Gaius''s badge and leave back to the Inn and ignore the situation. Why did I have to desperately stick my neck in so much trouble like to akin to asking for someone to cleave it, when I can just  leave and ignore the situation?


    I know why, was it because of Ava? Was it because that mysterious robed woman who had a beautiful blonde and blue eyes with a jade like face that I had to play hero?


    Was this all cause of wanting to impress her or just repaying the favor? Though I do admit that she have a certain charm in her that made me unable to resist. Not to mention the personality of a war saint who would extend her hand to those who are in need and the ferociousness of a  guardian angel who would do anything to protect everything she can. Were the words ''''Please travel with me'''' did really have such a strong effect on me?


    But.......is all this killing really worth it? Is chasing after these bandits even though they aren''t attacking me and I was the one who started  to get in on this mess.


    I am no slaughterer, I  didn''t come here in this world to become someone like that.


    I am dishonoring the blood of my ancestors and even these blessings.


    I am a Wanderer after all, I shouldn''t do this kind of thing if it weren''t for protection.


    I didn''t learn all those skills just for this slaughter...But it''s too late for that for  now.


    Never did I know, that within such few days I came here I would stain my blood within these conflicts. It''s time to stop and let them take care of this problem. This is not my problem. My only goal right now is to protect Ava for now and then...


    ******


    As I used my  Phantom ability to effortlessly  cover the distance between me and Ava. I then approach the bandit trying to stab Ava from behind and then  grab the enemy in the back and applied pressure on the bandit''s Brachial plexus and choke him till he fainted.


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    Ava then look at me as she continuously protect the city lord from the bandits. Admirable, but the problem about all of this... is that we went full stupid and even I have gone reckless with all of this.


    ''''Ava, I have a plan...So please listen.'''' i said.


    ''''''I am listening Mr Stian!'''' as she gouge an enemy and threw the bandit away.


    ''''Listen, I need you to cover us with root shields and then I will turn you both invisible using my blessing...though we should have done this from the beginning and we could have this mess sorted out and have the city lord escaped....But what is done is done...so please.''''


    Ava look stunned, I can feel her agonizing on why didn''t she ask if I can turn them invisible.. She then painted the floor with her power and sprouted shields of roots.


    Then using my power, I then scattered energy threads towards them to reflect off the light and turn them invisible and then have Ava open up a hole in her shield roots as we passed sneakily. Noticing that the enemies didn''t cast <detect life> or <detect aura>. I then carried the City lord as we walk towards the pathway that leads to the base of the tree.


    Ava then tried staying back for the wounded but I urged her to follow so that the reinforcements that I have called upon can sweep in and take care of things.


    The Heavy Armor guards who were encircling Ava and the city lord stayed behind as they protect the shield roots unknowingly without knowing that we have already escaped.


    Seriously contemplating why I didn''t do this the moment I return back here after there were no people that can detect us makes me feel complicated.


    If I did this from the beginning then I wouldn''t to taint my hands with more blood. Right now all I can feel is disgust and memories of those who I have killed lingers in my mind. Though i pray in my heart in forgiveness and suppressed the urge to scream and cry in the ground.


    I look blankly as we arrive towards the called reinforcements and undid the invisibility of the three of us. Seeing that we seems to have reach the destination safely without much trouble because of the chaos there.


    Ava look towards me and seems to be troubled but decided to check on the city lord once again.. What a saint really...


    Then I cried.....why? Because if I actually thought about how to effectively use my powers rather than have the emotion of wanting to impress and look good overtake me then things would have been easier. I almost lose my life during that struck on the chest. Though it seems that being in my partially Shadowed Form seems hold the wounds. I then took the time call Ava as I ask for treatment when she was done checking the city lord and have my bleeding stopped and my organs healed using her powers.


    Though it seems she wants to say something. She hold back and said it was nothing at the moment...


    Today so much unnecessary things I have involved myself with, just to feel the rush of adventure...  Sighing deeply ,I then look towards the sky ,as I saw in the distance what seems to be silhouettes of wyverns being chased by a group of  flying humanoids...


    ''''It seems the cavalry is here'''' as i muttered with a tone of contemplation and regret.

 Chapter 22 - The Arrival of the Valkyries

    Chapter 22 - The  Arrival of the Valkyries


    Facing off the man in front of him who seems to be the guard captain of these city. Krauss Wolfmoon gritted his teeth as the robbery and assassination attempt towards the City lord of Wodfel turn chaotic as the plan went fubar.


    Though, they have manage to steal the Wodfel''s Cauldron and the barrels of saps and manage to fly it off with the help of the two strongest wyvern''s that the Blood Kin''s Of Oss possessed.


    Right now the situation is bad, among the 30 original bandits only 10  including Krauss was the only one left standing. They were doing fine until that one person turn into a shadow and then used its strange weapon towards them and didn''t even given the chance to fight back. Though that shadowed man seems to have vanish along with that ferocious robed woman and the city lord without knowing.


    While thinking , Krauss then dodge the incoming sword strike filled with energy. Krauss then use the blessing given to him by the hand of the mirage rouge to replicate another one of his self after the first one was destroyed. Next, Krauss use another ability given by the blessing and turn his speed faster.


    Thus Krauss avoided the strike of blades while parrying the sword of the guard captain. Eventually while the two was in a standstill. Krauss noticed the roars of wyvern''s in the sky and grinned with relief since it would mean that their ride out of is here.


    In that wake of relief, Krauss glances towards the sky and felt his heart skip as a flight of Valkyries chases after the wyvern riders. Afterwards, seeing the scene, a feeling of worry approach Krauss as the Valkyries arrives due to the fear and anger their ancestors passed upon them when their land was burned in blue flames and cursed with a second death that cruelly made their ancestors walk their ashen lands forever while the Unspoken King grieves in his tomb till a warrior finishes him off and give them mercy.


    The Blood Kin''s of Oss who were out during the events and when they return from fishing all they could see is the barren lands.  And at that moment the "Blood Kins'''' of Oss then swear an oath that until the burned innocents get their justice, then the Blood Kins would do everything to ensure revenge.


    So after seeing the flight of Valkyries coming after their kin.  Krauss felt his body burned as the blood that their ancestors gave them in order to fight Valkyries manifest.


    Suddenly, Krauss roared towards his fellow brothers and said:


    ''''Defend yourselves and prepare to fight the winged devils and slaughter them!''''


    ''Whooooooooooo!'''' as the remaining bandits roar as they fill with vigor.


    At that time, Krauss, who has gained more power because of the presence of their sworn enemies, rushed towards the captain of the guards and mercilessly stab, slash and pound the captain into the ground as if the power gap before were equal no more.


    Additionally, the  remaining bandits who were also filled with vigor  triumph their enemies with overwhelming might that the amounts of guards  were nothing to them.


    Then as the wyvern''s arrive at the top of the Wodfel tree, Krauss and his skin  then climbed the branches hastily as they rode the wyvern''s  and thereupon Krauss  ordered the rivers to fight the valkyries in blood while the rest who is injured escape.


    Pale looking and silver haired winged beings that have the beauty of a goddess faces Krauss and his riders as they glare with mutual hatred.


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    Thus, the Valkyrie spoke:


    ''Foolish stains who have violated the sanctity of the seedlings of the world tree and have dared to rob the holy saps and the cauldron of Wodfel! Surrender now and tell us where you have taken the things that do not belong to you stains and you may shall be given a quick death!''''


    ''''Surrender? You winged monsters won''t get anything from us. Hah, if you think that descendants of Oss are afraid of such disgusting and heartless monsters who worships a shitty tree, then I can assure that you are wrong.'''' as Krauss sneered as he mocked the valkyries with disdain.


    ''''Foolish creatures indeed... Valkyries!  Remove the stain of filth that those sinners  have left behind and punish them for their deed.!'''' as the Valkyrie leader pointed her sword towards the mocking man.


    ''''Don''t falter! Attack them and show that the blood of ours is superior!''''


    Ultimately , the two prideful factions clashed in mid air as they stake their claims on who is the strongest as they disappear from the top of the Wodfel tree.


    ******


    Meanwhile among the ground lies the Captain of the heavy guards known as Gaius. Here he lays on the cold ground as he was mercilessly beaten down to inch the moment the valkyries boiled the blood of the bandits. Feeling vexed that they were beaten down so hard and suffered loss. Gaius then writhe in pain as he sat down and rip off some of his clothes in order to stop the bleeding on his body.


    Due to the blessing he was given off. Gaius was a lot tougher and sturdier compared to others and even with such devastating attacks from the bandit leader didn''t manage to send Gaius to the afterlife.


    Under the circumstances that they really didn''t manage to subdue the bandits and have suffered loss due to this incident that one should feel some shame. At that point where Gaius was done in towards the ground after being taken down by the sinister looking man, he still had the strength to get up and fight back but decided to stay still and play dead the moment he  saw the valkyries arrive.


    After all, he wouldn''t risk his life now that stronger guardians appeared before him. The same can be said to the fuckers who are obviously playing dead in the ground.


    Gaius and the others are here because of their jobs. Though they were guards, they were only after the money and wages that the profession provides. They are not that saintly enough to risk their lives to the point that they would die for the job.


    Though it may sound weird coming from a guard. Gaius and the others who are now currently sitting quietly knew that what they were doing is something akin to human nature and being afraid of death to the point playing death is a thing that no one is this group of injured guards would feel ashamed in doing so. After all, what is the point of pride and loyalty towards your job when your dead?


    Therefore, the guards bow down their heads as they thought of their actions. They do not regret playing dead... but the only thing they will regret here is the loss of the companions  who they have worked with.And then as they pray in their hearts in sorry for being afraid of death and then wishes the fallen guards to have their peace in the after life...

 Chapter 23- Daybreak and Farewells

    Chapter 23- Daybreak  and Farewells


    After the incident that  happen on the festival of norns. The wodfel tree was sealed off and the city buzzed from the event that have transpired. A while later, after witnessing the arrival of the valkyries and how they chased after the bandits or the group known as the Blood Kin''s of Oss.


    Presently, I Stian have avoided talking to anyone I encountered and headed back West Nectar Street and locked myself inside the room I rented inside Vicar Inn and started wailing in agony due to the events that have happen. After all, I did kill a lot of people today because I have stick  my head into something that I should have not get myself involved in.


    Under the circumstances of repaying a favor and playing hero that I have soiled my hands in blood and have involve myself in such farce. In that event I have been excited  on being relied by someone, that I have gun down people that hold no animosity towards me.


    On the account that I seems to be blaming Ava for involving me into this mess. At present I can not deny that deep within my heart lies regrets for agreeing with her. But even so, Ava is a kind woman who is overly obsess on helping everyone that needs a hand.


    Respectively, she also possesses the helper''s hand., then doesn''t that mean she have a  hero complex? Besides looking harmless, that woman is pretty ferocious when it comes to defending herself. Hence, there should no real reason to worry about her when she can protect herself just fine.


    I was naive in thinking that such beautiful woman  would have no power to defend herself. Maybe because  this is my own made bias , due to being from an other world which is usually a stereotype . After all its pretty rare in my world to see absolute beauties that are also as ferocious as her.


    By this time I have already realized how much of a fool I am for being such a dumb ass .  Being so conceited thinking that  such things are the same in this world. But presently I am now right here wailing so painfully for the act''s that I have done.


    Who wouldn''t in such case? I am even surprise that I am still thinking and not looking blankly in the sky.


    After all, Years ago there was a time where I was on a certain location In a certain country as a photographer covering the events happening on the mountains. There I was investigating about anything that can lead me to find a photo that would link all the rumors about child soldiers being trained.


    During that time, I did manage to get a photo of their camp and importantly the child soldiers they are training to handle calibers of guns and the sort. Though it was an interesting sight to see, it also highly disturbing on watching young kids that is suppose to be playing with toys in their age to be handling such dangerous weapon.


    But in the wake of my activity of photographing such things. Ultimately, I got caught by one of the scouts doing patrol and was ultimately chased to death and even have to exchange fire during my escape. It was in that  event that I have soiled my hands with blood that cause me to be  traumatized by such events that it led me into being into Hypnotherapy for 2 years  until I was partially cured and strengthen , in the mind.


    Consequently because of that treatment that I am here currently still able to think and avoided breaking down in tears. Also because of that , during any time of stress or emergency that I am still able to think calmly and suppress being frozen in fear.


    But Coincidentally because of that treatment that I have a greater mental fortitude. But even so with all of that , I am here in agony mourning my regrets.


    ******


    Eventually during my wailing, I have finally calmed down and have fallen asleep.  A while later, I then started walking  out towards the city and headed for a quiet place like the top of the tower in Lura park. Arriving at the top of the tower after a hefty climb I then took out some of the roasted ox meat that I have bought in the stalls.


    It seems that even though I have sleep for a long time after wailing in my sleep. Even this early  in the morning at the time of daybreak, there are already a lot of stalls and hence why I am currently eating in this tower with a roasted ox meat coupled with a wine I randomly bought.


    Towards  the rising of the sun I feel the warmth as the peaceful surroundings soothes my mood. Eventually in the distance  I saw a familiar two who I have accompanied and shed blood with. At the roads I saw the figure of Ava and her fury bull walking towards the opposite side of the gate  where we originally entered.


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    At some point I have pointed my eyes towards the two figures, and have thought if I should approached and bid them goodbye. Even though I seem to blame her for being involve towards that mess, It was really also my fault for playing hero.


    Before I can even notice, I feel my body moving as I climbed down the tower and starting running towards the direction they are in..


    At some point, I have finally caught up to them and called out:


    "Already leaving?" i asked


    Ava look back and said ''''Yes, it seems that you have found us...'''' meekly.


    ''''I see, well I am here to give you guys a farewell.'''' I said in a frank tone.


    At the same time, Ava then stood before me and said:


    ''''I am sorry for dragging you in this mess, Though I did planned on saying my goodbye''s but since you were ...crying in your room that I didn''t dare.''''


    ''''You heard me huh, hahahaha'''' I laugh in resignation.


    ''''Mr Stian, due to my selfishness, I have involved you into a horrible incident. That''s why I wont involve you any longer in my farces''''


    Hearing her words, I feel a bit annoyed and said.


    ''''Don''t worry about it, though I am now suffering my own demons because of what I did, but since you are safe then it''s alright, please don''t blame it all on yourself. It''s partially my own fault for agreeing with you in the first place. So please, let us forget about this incident and move  on now.'''' I said in a slightly motivating tone.


    "Mr Stian........'''' Ava said weakly


    ''''Oh come now, Mr? Really? aren''t we friends Ms ferocious Hero''''


    "Eh? Where did that nickname come from?"


    ''''I heard about it." as I grin.


    By the way, it''s seems the reason why Ava have many acquaintances and such is because of her reputation as a selfless doctor and as a ferocious mage.


    '''' It seems, that i really can''t erase that nickname''''Ava sighed.


    ''''Well , It is true after all.''''


    ''''................'''' Ava keep silent as if embarrassed.


    Looking at her I sighed deeply...Damn, she really has this certain charm that makes you want to follow her.


    ''''Where do you plan to go now?'''' i asked


    Ava broke out of her silence and said '''' I am planning to head towards the Magistrate Forest for now, It seems that they are few people there that needs a hand''''


    ''''Is that so? Then I wont get in your way no more, no more.''''


    ''''Yes.....they need to be treated after all....Goodbye Stian..'''' said Ava weakly.


    ''''Oh come now, were friends right? Don''t say it like that, ''''See you later!'''' would do just fine ''''


    ''''Fufufuuffufu....Yes, though it may have been short, let us meet again Stian and hope that we do not experience such incident again..............See you later Stian. ''''


    ''''See you later too Ava, please don''t be so reckless okay?''''


    ''''Will do''''


    As  Ava turn her back towards me and stride towards the gate. Keeping my eyes on the robed woman who have an obsession on helping those who needs a hand go forward.  Seeing her back covered in the sun''s fresh light, I took my camera out and pointed its lens and then took a shot at her dignified back.


    And then after printing out the picture quickly , i then grin at the picture of her leaving and thought on how she resemble a heroine  of the story I have read a long time ago.  A strong and courageous woman who have her life focus on extending a hand to those who need it.


    This farewell of ours is nothing extravagant, though she may be strong , she is also reckless and would sometimes dragged people unconsciously towards her actions. And because of that plea , I have put myself in a dire trouble and because of that I decided that I would part ways with her.


    Though she have many acquaintances and friends, her only true companion is her bull. It seems that she is also a wanderer like me... But in her case she is wandering hero while I am just traveler going on a pilgrim.. That''s why I should stay true to my name of ''''Wandering Pilgrim'''' and really travel this world and avoid trouble as I can.


    And thus ...I turn my back and head towards the direction of the Inn as I plan my journey from now on.

 Chapter 24 - Woodrock Village and Rumors

    Chapter 24 - Woodrock Village and Rumors


    At the time I was finish gathering information towards this continent after buying books and maps that have details on various places ,the sorts of monsters and taboos that should be remembered . Also I have prevented myself from going broke by exchanging some of the cans I have brought with me and then ''bartered''  with the merchants in Lura Park.


    Though, It seems trading them with a few of those books with a few cans from my empty canned foods and 300 coins seems like a scam, but I digress since there is a time where you have to be desperate and cunning when your lost on what to do.


    After reading the books for days, I eventually decided to leave the City Of Wodfel and the woes it had left me with. It maybe a bit  of rush for why I decided to leave, but mostly because of the guards that have started looking for me. Apparently there is now a rumors on the street about a person who  is akin to a shadow and possesses weapons that gives no mercy.


    Soon after that rumor spread, many aspiring blacksmiths or even merchants that would like to gain some insight on my guns in order to replicate and  sell it have started looking after me.  At that point I also have learn that some of the blacksmiths that been looking for me were Dvergr''s, who are beings that resemble what is called  a Dwarf.


    Furthermore, It seems that they have the wrong idea that their fellow dwarfen blacksmith seems to have created a better version of their muskets  and would love to contact the owner who is me into spilling out the schematics and disassembling my guns.


    And with that I decided to haul my ass out of the city and decided to leave Wodfel behind. Captain Gaius who vaguely remembered me gave me farewells when I saw him during my exit of Wodfel. Even though he seems lively enough, there seems to be wounds on his body that the sinister man gave him and it seems to be taking a long time to heal due to the blades used by the bandit leader.


    At present, I am currently in a village called WoodRock and Is now sitting near the small lake enjoying the view while fishing out some fishes that I can roast. Using the survival fishing kit in my backpack I sat on a rock and has been fishing for hours and still haven''t haul anything.


    By the way, the reason this village is called ''''Woodrock'''' is because of the root of the world tree that connects to wodfel sticking out in the middle of the village and is hard as a rock. Though I fairly guess that was the reason, I only acknowledge it after one of the villages told me when I was looking at it.


    Before long, I would have to leave this village and head towards Snowspring and visit the town of Spring Crest. Besides just because I am wandering, the reason why I decided to visit Spring CresT is mainly because of the Ever Wind phenomena  that will happen there.


    Apparently, the moment the fall season ends in this continent, the Ever Winds will happen which will cause bright auroras to shine in the sky as the winter snow starts falling. So therefore since the Ever Winds are much much brighter in Spring Crest. Therefore, that is why I am  going there in order to photograph that event.


    ******


    Before long, two hours have passed and I started feeling despair due to the lack of fishes biting my bait and decided to give up and tuck away my fishing pole into my kit. Thus, I started walking back towards the village and have look for a place where I can eat.


    Having found no stalls inside the village  ,I decided to enter the tavern in the village called Swineherd Tavern and decided to look for a place to rent for a day and a good place to eat and drink while at it.


    Apparently , due to the circulations of many merchants and travelers  most of the towns,villages in this continent have taverns or Inns built so that the travelers would find a place they can rest. Also  due to the wide range of taverns and Inns they have established an organization which supports the establishments. Thus, when you decided to somehow mess any taverns/Inns then there is a high chance you would be banned to all of the establishments in this continent and forced to camp.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Anyway while sitting on the tavern I ordered one deer mutton coupled with parley  sauce and bought one Invidian ale, though the whole order costed 5 coins and  but it was worth the coins due to the deliciousness aura they give . While eating quietly in the corner of the tavern, a group of travelers armed to the teeth entered along with what it seems to be a merchant and took a seat on one of the bigger tables and started talking.


    ''''Have your heard?, It seems that the Wodel  Cauldron has been robbed'''' as the man with a battle axe talk.


    ''''Robbed? by who?'''' said the firmed looking  merchant


    ''''It seems that the perpetrators are the Blood Kin''s of Oss'''' said the man with a Long Sword


    ''''Oh those guys, So what happen exactly?'''' the man with a long bow question.


    ''''It seems that when halfway through the festival, They have attacked and even injured the City lord. Then according to the people on that event, It seems that they took barrels of saps and flied it off with their wyverns.''''


    ''''How many barrels were stolen?''''


    ''''Enough barrels to empty all the saps''''


    ''''Damn'''' the armed group said in a uniting tone.


    ''''So then what happen next?''''


    ''''it seems that when the guards notice and started fighting off the bandits. That woman was there too.''''


    ''''Her? You mean that one with the Helper''s Hand?


    ''''Yes, it seems she was there and was protecting the city lord for a while. And according to them she had some help with what seems to be a man with a strange weapon''''


    ''''Strange weapon?''''


    ''''Yeah, it seems to be like one of those Dvergr Muskets but faster and continuous''''


    ''''Ohhhh, so what do you mean about faster and continuous?''''


    ''''It seems that according to the witnesses , the weapon didn''t even leave anyone to fight back due to how fast the projectiles launch. I mean those muskets are more like fireballs being launch while this weapon fire pea like ammo that seems to burn the flesh inside. Not to mention that the man with the weapon can turn into something like a wraith , you know the ones you find in Virgel Woods.''''


    ''''Hmmm, that really does seems dangerous''''


    ''''You betcha. after all it seems a lot of the merchants and blacksmiths there are now looking for that man in order to get some insights on his weapons  so they can replicate them .''''


    ''''Well, we shouldn''t mess with someone like that, so I say we steer clear of that mess'''' said the battle axe man.


    ''''By the way, what is happening at the Magistrate Forest? I heard a lot of people there is sick. Shouldn''t we go there and sell some medicines?'''' said the merchant


    ''"You better gave up on that idea too and stay clear.'''' say the woman with a Staff.


    ''"Why, it should be profitable for us to go there.'''' ask the merchant


    ''''Hmph, they should be cured soon'''' said the woman with a staff as she stir her cup of ale.


    ''''How can you be so sure?'''' as the long sword man


    ''''It seems that woman is seen on Highgate and is probably heading there now''''


    ''''''''Oh""" the group muttered together.


    ''''Well if that woman is there then business would not be found""


    ''''Yeah, if she is there then they would probably get cured after a day or two''''


    ''''Probably, also with her there she would probably found the source of the problem and defeat it.''''


    ''''By the way, was she along with that man?''''


    ''''Nope, they seems to have separated''''


    ''''Besides, even they are not, would you really try and anger that woman? Or do you want to be killed by that strange weapon? So you better forget anything about it.''''


    Hearing the conversation afar, I sighed deeply inside my heart and decided that I should really try avoiding using my guns and reserved it for more dangerous situations. If the rumors are this far, then I should probably stay low until all this news die down a bit. After all I wouldn''t want someone tailing me and  asking me feverishly on my guns after all.


    By the time , I  finished all my dishes and headed towards my rented room. While in my room I then started inwardly thinking about the rumors and how well known that friend of mine is and how troublesome things are gonna be when I let someone who is after my guns to sniff me out.

 Interlude - The woman with no regards other than saving

    Interlude - The  woman with no regards other than saving


    Traveling and helping people is my way of life. With the blessing of the Helper''s Hand I have traveled roads and terrains to extend a helping hand. along with  my companion named Rose. A Fury Bull that I found on a bed of roses covered in wounds as a  child. I took the poor cub and have taken care of it till it has grown big and furry.


    Though I was hesitant about bringing the bull that I have gone close with by the years in my journey to help as a doctor and a specialist for curses. But even so I cannot help to leave the poor bull who is now big enough to be mounted and big enough to carry my belongings and furry enough to hide under her fur.


    On my journey there were a lot of ups and downs. People who dares try to take advantage me and exploit the power I was given. Though there were unsuccessful, because before I started this journey I have trained myself as an alchemist and an age who have the power to control nature.


    Though even though there were greedy people that tries to exploit me. Along the way there were people that were kind enough to lend me a hand and even encourage me to never lose hope. As so I travel distances along the continent back and forth.


    Along the way  people were admiring me. There were suitors and such who tries to win me over. Though I know that they were only after my beauty and power that they tried taking my heart. So in order to not be bothered anymore. I started wearing a robe and mask  in order to not just hide my face and is also for the glow of my body that is sometimes be mistaken as an aura of a Valkyrie


    Though the roads were full of people with different stories. A week ago I have met a peculiar man that seems to be out of this world in terms of clothing and equipment. Though that man was average in looks, His tied long hair and silver gray eyes and firmed body make him standout along with his unusual clothes.


    My first meeting with the man was when I was passing through the world tree. There I saw the man call and approach me. Though the man seems to have been cursed with the language eater. I was able to successfully rid him of such terrible curse and was able to know his name.


    Stian Peregrine, and like  the meaning of his name  he is a ''''Wanderer'''' and a ''''Pilgrim''''. Seeing the peculiar man I have grown curious on how talks and how his behavior doesn''t match the culture of this continent.  But at the point where I saw his left hand, I then know that this man probably doesn''t belong in this continent.


    After all it has been written in the Book of Blessings that the mark on his hand is the given mark of the Wanderer''s Hand. A strange mark that transports its receiver to a continent in order for them to start their wandering like what their heart wished for.


    Coincidentally, the one thing I was dumbfounded about being how he was able to be transported in this continent when he didn''t have his blessing activated? Though it has bothered me, I decided to brush it off for the meantime since the peculiar man named Stian seems like asking about this continent and then I complied and soon told him the basics like the World tree and it''s cities seedlings and the Queen of Valkyries Estella Willow and how he should always call her Queen. Then about the monsters, the holy ground.


    Though when the man named Stian asked if there was a way to return home, the only thing I could answer is that he would need to find the altar of givings and how he would need to find another altar in order to give another wish.


    After I have spoken things about the Altar of Givings at that moment the man named Stian was wearing a dejected face. Seeing that face, I cannot help but feel pity and decided to ask him in return of being helped to accompany me in my travels for a while.


    When I said those words, the man lifted away his dejected face away and even jested about how I keep calling him ''''Mr''''. Soon after he agreed, we then traveled  and talk about the continent and I even shared the story about my bull named Rose during the talk.


    Entering the barren lands, I also have warned him about the danger of the barren lands and how even though he has his blessing, that he needs to be careful about it. In order to make a mark on him, I decided to use the most common warning that myth among the blessing users that when a blessing is used the other way, it would cause misfortune if used in the wrong way.


    Even though such thing never really happens, I decided to tell him like that in order for him to remember not recklessly fight any draugr that wanders the barren lands. After telling him the details, Stian asked if everyone have blessings.


    Hearing his question made me wonder about something and inwardly make me look back at the time I got my blessing. Back then I was a powerless soul who has to watch her village burn due to an infection of plaque worms and have to be eliminated before the problem spread.


    Eventually I was adopted by a Meister and have been taken in as an mage and a healer. Then somewhere along the line I have been blessed by the Helper''s Hand and have been encouraged further by my master to inherit her dreams of becoming a savior for those who needs the saving.


    Waking up from my wondering, I warn Stian again as we entered the barren lands and feel its coldness.


    ******


    On our walk in the barren lands, there were a lot of questions being bombarded toward me as I enthusiastically answer them one by one. One of the topics that we discussed were the tale of how the barren lands became a cold land that even the dead walks on it.


    The Draugr''s are poor creatures that experience a second death and has been doomed forever to walk on their land until the day someone puts them into rest or successfully kill and burn them on a warm flame  and replace  the cold blue flames that dwell within them.


    For even the dead deserves a rest and is worthy of being extended a hand of helping....


    Eventually, due to the long walk I gradually became exhausted due to the lack of sleep as for me was traveling straight for 4 days without a rest due to my hurry in confirming things about a certain news that I have heard. Thus, in order to keep my body from danger, I decided to tuck inside my friend Rose and used her furs to keep myself from the cold and decided to sleep.


    Besides being worried that my companion Rose would bite Stian, I became worried a bit about myself and started refreshing my body''s fatigue using the power I have in order to heal my tired skin and muscles. After using the power of my blessing to seep through everything that might cause a problem, I felt the tiredness and slowly close my eyes and enter my dreams.


    In the wake of my sleep, I was slowly bothered by a stare directed at me and was alarmed enough to take a look. Opening my eyes, what greeted me was the look of disappointment, of the man named Stian.


    Seeing the disappointed expression in his face, I then ask if there was anything wrong. Hearing his reply that there was nothing wrong, I decided that since it was nothing, I would head back to sleep.


    But before I was able to go back to sleep, I was interrupted by his sudden  question and then told him about the City of Wodfel...


    Eventually during my thoughts about the city, I  by that time felt the cold aura of death walk towards us and look at the distance and saw an approaching General Draugr headed towards our way. With it''s stench I then quickly go on an alarmed as I turn my head towards Stian, who seems to have been frozen in fear due to the presence of the Draugr.


    Under the circumstance, I quickly call out to him as he unfroze and started coming over towards me. Then, with a sudden pull, I then pulled Stian towards me as I hide his body inside Rose''s fur and took a look at the General draugr and muttered it''s existence.


    Taking a look at the Draugr, I then notice the rotting flesh of the Draugr and the eyes which shows the desperation of wanting death. Seeing all the signs, I then concluded that the Draugr in front of us has not reach its first death yet and can be reasoned out to be put into rest.


    Thus, because of my inability to help those who need a helping hand. I dismounted off Rose as I slowly approached the Draugr as Stian followed me worriedly.


    Questioning the Draugr in front of and its woes, I then felt a stab in my heart as the draugr.... no the warrior named Assel Greycloak beg for its death and say his wanting to meet his family in the afterlife. And so I did, with the power of my blessing I have determined to put this warrior to rest.


    Giving him the Vikings pyre, a ritual that allows the soul to be sent to the afterlife, thus leaving only the ashes and the weapon it possessed. After finishing the ritual I have noticed the daze gaze of the man who is traveling with me right now.


    And as if thunder strikes me, I then remembered that I took off my mask in order to let the warmth in the eyes of my soul to cover the poor warrior. Now that he had seen me, I decided to switch the topic towards something I have noticed.


    A while later, after Stian, explain what it seems to be a tool that accurately captures the image in its mirror that it reflect like. He then took out another strange object which after he opens seems contain a strip of what it seems to be meat.


    Having a taste of the meat, I puckered my lips due to the bitter sweet taste and have asked questions on about the things Stian possessed. Finally, after the eating was done, I decided to tuck away the illustration that Stian gave me and keep it near me as something to treasure upon.


    ******


    Soon after days of travel, we have arrived at the City of Wodfel, along the journey I have been keeping myself in the distance the moment I have found some of my acquaintances on the camp near the entrance of the Mist forest. After Seeing that Stian, seems to be occupied by capturing illustrations with his tool, I decided to leave him be for a while in order for him to do what he wants.


    After entering the city, I approached Stian and invited him to a good Inn that my acquaintances suggested. Arriving at the Inn I then excused myself in my room as Stian seems planning to wander around the city. In my room, I took out my journal and write some of the details that have happened for three days and then by the time I was done, the festival of norns was starting.


    Heading my way out towards the festival with Stian, who seems to have fancied a new cloak, we then walk towards the festival and arrive just in time to witness the giving of the saps and have watched as  the people glee and the city lord of wodfel having a smile plastered on his face  as he gave the saps one by one towards the infants and kids.


    At the time where it was the young man and woman''s turn a horrifying scene happened when the city lord was suddenly pierced by an arrow in his arm as he then writhe in pain as blood flowed towards his golden robes. Seeing the scene, my body moved without thinking and decided to rush towards the city lord, but then was forced to back down as an arrow halt me from going towards the city lord.


    Then, looking at the distance I witness a sinister looking man on the platform appear from the top of the branch of the trees as he quickly disposed of the two bulky men and fall into their knees like a bunch of puppets without strings.


    At that time, my body shivered with anger and sadness as I watched helplessly due to the arrows being pointed at the people. Then, as my mind went blank, I felt the touch of someone, as that touch urged and convinced me to back down and sat back to the position I was in. Holding all my might to not act, I then grabbed at the arm of the one who held me back.


    As If time has no meaning, I then watched blankly as I muttered words in my mouth. Though it seems the person I am holding to seems to tell me about  how not act rashly. Hearing those words I decided to calm myself down in order to bring my mind into peace.


    Later on, the bandit leader seems to be arguing with a thin man as they then turn violent as the awful man sliced the thin man''s arm as the thin man shouted curses towards the leader of the bandit. Having enough of the thin man''s nonsense, the bandit leader snapped and  decapitated the man without mercy.


    My mind went blank again and my body shaken as I feel the wanting to kill the man in front of me. Though extending a hand of the city lord is the priority, I also need to exact justice on the man who killed the two bulky men in cold blood.


    Soon after, everyone in the location felt the rise of blood thirsty aura, I then watched the scene unfold as the bandits and guards clashed together in patience, waiting for the right time to run towards the city lord in order to extend a hand towards him.


    Before long an opportunity open up as my body moved again without thinking I dashed with a resolute to save the city lord and the people here no matter what it takes. Dashing with all my might, I sensed an incoming attack and took out my wand and painted the ground with energy and summon roots to protect me from harm.


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    As my mind went back in thinking of only saving, there was a shout behind my back, but I ignored the shout that seems to be not the ones calling for help and arrived at the side of the city lord and used all my blessings power to closed the arrow wound and heal the city lord.


    But after observing a bit, It seems that the arrow fired at the city lord seems to contain a potent poison that continually burn the flesh with its fast spreading poison. Thus, in order to let the city lord feel relief, I then cast a precise paralyzing energy towards the city lord''s body in order to act as a pain reliever and to continuously heal the poison till its gone.


    Noticing my lips move as if there inside my mind that helps me speak as I focus all my might in order to heal the city lord. Suddenly the captain in front of me who seems to be named Gaius then suggested  something as I without thinking decided to ask the man named Stian, who possesses the wanderer''s hand  to help while acting pitifully in order to convince him.


    As a result, the man named Stian agreed as I then relied on my mouth to reply to the conversation as I cast a shield of roots in order to cover Stian''s escaped. Then wit ha dash he then disappeared quickly like a wind as he headed to call for reinforcements.


    Seeing him go, I then focused all my strength and spread vines among the heavy guards that encircled the city lord as I ultimately use my other hand to control the spell that allows to make use of the roots of nature to attack and defend.


    Thereafter, the scene goes on as I continued repelling all the enemies that tired to attack the city lord. Captain Gaius who was the guard captain then decided to face off against the awful man and exchanged strikes and blows.


    Heal, cure, defend and gouge the enemies on the sky was the process that my mind continued to relay as I blankly focus on those commands like a puppet. By that time that I had almost cure all the poison inside the city lord.


    Loud sounds of footsteps approached as  they come. Then with a sound akin to a thunder  resounded in the area as the loud noise disrupt my focus  and made me look towards the man named Stian who seems to have been successful on the task that given to him.


    Being teary that the chance of saving these people  and city lord has grown further, I  thank Stian and henceforth leave my back in the hands of Stian as I tried gouging the enemies while he uses his strange gun to keep the enemy in bay.


    At the distance where captain named Gaius and the awful man was fighting, clashes of movements and blessings collides as they bring out their power in order to succeed. But at the same time, the awful man then appeared to have replicated himself as it rushes towards me.


    Due to my negligence I cursed inwardly as one of the heavy guards collapse as the arrow penetrated his neck as  at the same time  Stian, where firing his weapon towards the enemy, I then used that chance to penetrate them with my speared roots and bring them down.


    As I look back, a arrow headed towards the city lord  and have rushed into the city lord to shield him. But before it can hit, a shield blocked and knocked it away and it got followed by  a sword who stumbled a bandit who I then launch my spear root at to gouge him away.


    Then looking at the awful man''s replica come at me, I readied myself to take the blow when suddenly I saw Stian grabbed a rider who was coming for me as he slammed the rider down to the ground violently as he then faced off the bandit leader''s replica and tried sheathing his weapon but was penetrated in the chest as he then struggled and kick the replica''s throat as blood splattered towards me  and at the same time Stian knelled in the ground as he clutch his chest in pain as he writhe in the ground.


    ******


    Upon that scene, my body felt shiver as the blood of the man known as Stian landed on my outstretch hands. Seeing him writhe in pain, my body didn''t move a bit as if shocked on what happen.


    ''''Saved? Did I just got saved?'''' as I muttered in shock due to the actions done by the man named Stian.


    At that instant, I felt my whole thought process crumble.....as I tried going after him when suddenly the wyverns in the sky attacked and didn''t allow me to leave the city lord alone.


    Regret and feelings unknown to me have blossomed due to the shocked of being saved... After all the woman known as Ava Wondergovel has never been saved and usually the one doing the saving.


    She roared desperately as she tried gouging the enemies in the skies in order to get close towards the man named Stian and save him....


    But before long...something happen.  The mark in his body turn black as if his whole body was being covered in thick black smoke  as it completely overshadows his body then changed and became akin to a reaper as he suddenly disappeared and fired his weapon at an enemy so fast that the bandits who were fighting were instantly killed by the weapon.


    Seeing the scene, the rider''s in front of Ava turn their backs towards the shadowed  Stian as they tried attack when suddenly like a smoke, Stian disappeared and  easily finished off the riders in front of him.


    The display of power and mobility were overwhelming that the bandits who have seen the way their comrades was riddled with holes then decided  to run away as if afraid of the shadowed man who have seems to turn into a reaper that is after their souls.


    Yet, suddenly....the shadowed Stian stopped completely... Like a statue he stand there in silence as if he was experiencing an epiphany and turn his sights towards me.


    With a sound of wind being ripped apart, the shadowed Stian arrived in my back as he strangled the bandit who I didn''t notice  and  straight up made the bandit unconscious.


    All at once before I can even try to speak, the bandits who seems to be after the city lord decided to attack in unison.


    Stian spoked....he suggested on something that I have missed and agonized for a bit for thinking blankly about the situation...


    With a a paint of energy I rise shield roots in front of us as Stian used his ability to turn me and the city lord invisible. Then with by opening  the shield roots parts, we then sneaked towards the pathway down and was about to stay when Stian urged me about the reinforcements and convinced me strongly to follow him.


    Arriving at the base of the tree, I then tried approaching Stian ,but stopped when I saw Stian who have party casted off the shadows in his body  as he look daze.....Backing off, I approach the city lord as I completely cured the poison inside the city lord.


    After healing the city lord, Stian called out to me to ask for healing as I grimly healed the wounds on his body effectively  with all my might as I also rid the poisons that inflicted within him.


    Unable to find any words to say, I turn my back away from Stian and decided  to wait for things to go down as the valkyries have finally arrive to solve the incident.


    ******


    After the incident washed down because of the Valkyries chasing away the bandits, I then took the time to go back towards the top of Wodfel tree to heal all the injured guards and received their wholehearted praise. Next, I return back into the Vicar Inn and write the details on my journal like I always do.


    Eventually, my thoughts boggled down on one particular  subject. That was Stian, soon after I got back at the base he already have return towards the Inn and seems to have locked himself inside his room. At that time, I never got to talk to him about the events, so I decided to to check upon him.


    Upon nearing his room, I heard the sound of wailing and crying. As if something broke inside the man named Stian. Without being able to step any further, I walk back towards my room in order to think about what I did..


    During that time in the tree, weren''t I so focus on saving that I relied and ignore all the warnings and rushed forward recklessly?


    Didn''t also because of me that Stian was stabbed in chest for saving me?


    Even though I promised myself to not be weak anymore, I even let him do something like that. What kind of use am I if I can''t even help those all who tried on saving me?


    Also what am I suppose to do? During the trip here with him, there were not talks about anything and was just him asking for information. And like the empty husk I am, I answered diligently because It might help him. Even with all the talks aren''t I too puppet like too him?


    So what right do I have to go in there now and comfort him? Not even once I thought that I possess a silver tongue.


    There is no way I can find any comforting words


    After all my only reason to be here is to extend a hand towards  those who need it.


    As long as everyone is safe and alive then isn''t that an ideal conclusion?


    So as long as he lives, It doesn''t matter if he hates me for involving him to my own farces.


    That''s right... my job here is done. I need to hurry towards the Magistrate Forest and extend my hand towards them...


    Taking all my belongings and packing them up towards my companion named Rose. I woke up early and decided to head towards Highgate in order to confirmed the news on whats happening towards the  Magistrate Forest.


    Soon after, I look behind my back and turn my thoughts away without saying anything towards Mr Stian. After all on what he experienced I should  keep my self away from him.


    Walking on the roads along with Rose, I reminisce my master who have taught me in the ways of being a healer. She once said that it doesn''t  matter if people hated you for helping them even though they refused it. After all if no tries to extend them a hand because of that stubbornness then who will?


    Being hated because of it


    Being given looks because of it


    Being seen as a freak because of it


    It doesn''t matter as long everyone is safe.


    Before long, a voice called out to me


    "Already leaving?"


    As I look back I saw the figure of the man who I refused to see  because of guilt.......guilt? Why?


    ''Yes, it seems that you have found us...''''  I answered meekly .


    ''''I see, well I am here to give you guys a farewell.''''


    As he said frankly, of course. What did I expect?


    That reminds me this kind of event seems to be fairly something I am used to now...


    ''''I am sorry for dragging you in this mess, Though I did planned on saying my goodbye''s but since you were ...crying in your room that I didn''t dare.''''  as I  apologized.


    Expecting nothing I said and apologized, yet...


    ''''You heard me huh, hahahaha''''


    Why are you laughing? Did I said something to jest him?


    ''''Mr Stian, due to my selfishness, I have involved you into a horrible incident. That''s why I wont involve you any longer in my farces''''


    I said frankly.


    Looking at him I saw an annoyed face. That''s right, that should be the face your making towards me.


    ''''Don''t worry about it, though I am now suffering my own demons because of what I did, but since you are safe then it''s alright, please don''t blame it all on yourself. It''s partially my own fault for agreeing with you in the first place. So please, let us forget about this incident and move  on now.'''' I said in a slightly motivating tone.


    ''''But since you are safe then it''s alright, please don''t blame it all on yourself. ''''


    I see, it seems I really don''t know enough about this man.


    At that moment I called out to him weakly....But yet he rebuke me by using ''''Mr'''' and how he jest about my nickname..


    I dont really understand but when asked a question...I answered.


    And then the thoughts of the magistrate forest entered my mind.


    I need to go now.


    So I said my goodbye.


    But yet...


    '''' ''''Oh come now, were friends right? Don''t say it like that, ''''See you later!'''' would do just fine ''''


    He didn''t ,  what a peculiar man indeed. See you later huh....


    Despite all the goodbyes,I never heard of a remark like that.....


    I see....


    I worried too much, So I jested back towards the man named Stian.  I then said my farewells in hope that the next time we meet such incident wouldn''t happen and the time we would meet I''ll  be more worthy to be called a friend.....an empty husk like me who has no desires other than saving..


    Inside my mask, my lips turned as I look forward to the future..where we would meet again..

 Chapter 25 - The Blue Oak

    Chapter 25 - The Blue Oak


    After leaving Woodrock village Stian stumbled upon a tiny camping ground called BlueOak. There Stian wandered towards the camp as he saw a crowd of people resting looking at the blue oak in the distance. Keeping his pace he then headed towards an empty spot and laid down a tent which he bought before leaving WoodRock village.


    At the point where he was  done, He looked around and found out that the atmosphere between the rest of the campers were akin to something being unrest. Looking at their hands being placed in their sheath, He then saw an old man who seems to be the only one not being bothered by what it seems to be a spit of smoke that the acorns of the blue oak seems to produce.


    Being curious about the phenomena , Stian can''t help but feel curious and approached the old man and asked.


    ''''Hello there, What is happening around, everyone seems to be stressed about the tree'''' Stian asked the old man. The Old man turn his head towards Stian and answered.


    ''''Are you new from these lands? If you haven''t heard then you must be new aint''cha?''''


    ''''Well, it''s kinda obvious, I wouldn''t be asking you if I know wouldn''t I?''''


    ''''That''s true, so you wanna know about that tree over there?


    This old man is repeating his words damn it, didn''t I just said like a second  ago?


    ''''Of course, I wanna know, so whats up with the tree?''''


    ''''Young man do you know what is that tree over there called?''''


    ''''Im guessing its a blue oak''''


    I mean, its kinda obvious they named the camping ground with that blue oak there.


    ''''Oh ,it seems you know about that tree already then why are you asking ?''''


    Really you fuck?


    ''''No no, I only guess that it''s a blue oak since it seems to be the NAME of the camping ground''''


    ''''Well that makes sense ,anyway about the tree''''


    (''''Finally'''') as Stian muttered under his breath.


    ''''Once upon a time, there was a an old meister living among these camping grounds, in that place he planted the fruits of his labor, the enchanted blue oak that wards off anyone who smelled the smoke of its acorns. No one knows why he did such things but the frightening thing about that blue smoke is that  if you have inhaled the smoke, illusions of  of monsters shall haunt you and  bring you death''''


    Hearing the words of the old man I frowned and asked about it.


    ''''This may seems obvious but then why the fuck are we here then, shouldn''t we be running away from these camp grounds? And who thought it would be a good idea to set camp here?''''


    ''''Calm down, youngsters these won''t let even an old man like me finish tsk''''


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.''''Okay , then tell me more about this tree then''''


    '''' Though, I may have said that monsters haunts you in form of illusions its true, but the reason why we are here is obviously because if you manage to get rid of the monsters inside the illusions then your gonna feel the touch and comfort of heaven''''


    ''''So basically your saying means that the acorns of the blue oak can be use as a recreational drug?''''


    ''''Well yes , we stay here to smoke a joint, these guys are probably afraid they might messed up and suffer nightmares''''


    So  this place basically a joint recreational area where they smoke this stuff and take a puff of that blue smoke? Am I even gonna be safer here?


    ''''One last thing old man, I would be safe If I stay here right?''''


    ''''Dont worry about it, as long as you don''t lose to the illusions of monsters  then you''ll be fine. At most if you don lose yourself, you might wake up in the morning feeling your bum  sore.''''


    And as the old man said those lines towards Stian, the wanderer then decided to walk quickly back towards his tent and undid all of it and wrapped it around his waist as he quickly  walked away from the camp and never to return again.


    The threat of an familiar psychoactive and being someone who have never smoked a joint. Stian used all his powers to get away from the camp as  the threat of his butt hole being sore in the morning leave Stian in shivers.


    At the time Stian manage to find a hill where it seems safe, he then watched  the camping area of blue oak being covered in blue smoke as the area turn into a smoke dome. Taking out his camera as he watches the even unfold he then took a shot of the are as he then quickly printed and wrote in his journal on how he was glad that he asked the old man about the place and how curiosity can sometimes save you from disaster and how he then tuck to bed without any worries.


    By the time morning arrive, Stian awoke in a great mood as he then took out some fresh smoked meat on his bag of holding as he eat in the beautiful morning watching the fresh sun in the sky and the signs of winter coming along.


    After putting away all the belongings he have, Stian walked towards the main road that people use to head towards the main routes and saw a group of what seems to campers who seems to be ''''high'''' as they walk like penguins as  if they are suffering from something painful as they touch their bums as they continuously grumbled about some monsters and horrors on what happen.


    Then looking at the sky again, Stian thank the Gods above again for giving him the curiosity and the reason to get away from the blue oak camp as he move forwards to his destination while feeling great that his bum was saved from such horrible event.

 Chapter 26 - Experimenting while Winter Arrives

    Chapter 26 - Experimenting while Winter Arrives


    One week and four days have passed since Stian arrived on the continent of Valhalla, during the time he was sent to this place, It seems that it was the final weeks of the fall as the drops of snow have started falling around the sky.


    It may be a problem towards the rest of travelers and merchants or even mercenaries.  But the current weather have no effect on Stian due to the Wanderer''s Hand that is circling in his body. Adding to that was the  fact that the hooded cape coat and the black cloak in Stian''s body prevents the cold to seep into his body.


    And also the fact that he wouldn''t have to worry about his lips freezing due to goggle mask on his face. Though the mask is usually on Stian''s face lately, he would take it off when some traveler''s are near  due to it being hard to to make a transaction towards any merchants due to it being sometimes suspicious.


    Right now, Stian is currently on a shade of the tree, charging his camera using the durable solar charger. Since the amount of memory cards in Stian was too much. He decided to  check any of them and see if there was any damage and proceed to evaluate the solar lamp and then recheck all of the ammunition inside his backpack as he then cleaned the guns as he use a cloth to gently wipe it inside and see if there was any damage.


    The glock 22 handgun''s sliding panel was a bit scratched due to it being used to deflect an arrow but nothing too worrying. Dissembling some of the parts, then started checking trigger spring and the recoil while checking the the barrel and cleaning it while making sure that ejection port of the gun would not jammed.


    Putting the guns back to their places, He then stared towards the falling snowflakes waiting for the camera  and the solar lamp to be fully charged as  Stian uses his left hand to grab a snowflake and moved his rights hand to grab it as  it slowly evaporated.


    Stian grabbed the bracer gloves on his hand as he look at his hand and muttered.


    I wonder if it''s possible


    As Stian started channeling the energy on his left  hand as the white energy threads started turning into black smoke threads as it then slowly solidify. Watching the experiment succeed, Stian then thought.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    It seems that what this black thread of energy, ability is to be able to turn from just pure energy like gas into a solid. This ''''phantom ability '''' uses the white energy of the blessing to solidify the energy, the best thing to compare it would be like the evaporated water in the air being freeze into a point that it would turn solid like argument.


    Stian then pointed his left palm towards an another tree as he imagines a spike into his hand as it slowly gathers into form and with a slight  control of energy, then got propelled due to using a slingshot like effect. Seeing it  being a success, Stian the tried concealing the black energy  and mixed it with the black energy to reflect the lights of it turning invisible as it also turns  solid.


    Seeing that It is successful, Stian then move into an another experiment as he then slowly intertwine  the black energy thread into making a rope and then solidifying it, Then making the end point of the rope sharp as it sticks on the bracer gloves and the black energy ropes wraps on the bracer.


    Controlling the threads, the blacken ropes of energy then move as Stian wills and then launch forward the moment Stian pointed it towards the tree. Like a grappling hook, Stian then use the rope to quickly climb up the tree and swing back down.


    Though the forming of the rope was a bit slow, It still can be use as something to grab on something or use to hunt an enemy down or to make various traps using it as the main material.


    With these possible options, Stian look happy at the possibility of having more use of the wanderer''s hand quickly pleased him. With these he can reinforce his equipment''s and also put protection on his body in case of any danger.


    The Wanderer''s Hand really is a blessing to those who wander. After all, such power that can be used in situations is very useful in terms of protection, safety and trivial work that needs to be done.


    Before long, the camera and the solar lamp have finally been fully charged, At the same time the snow started falling as the snowflakes  slowly covers the road in white. Stian stand up as  he take a step towards the road  and readying himself as he enters the place known as Snowspring.

 Chapter 27 - Snow Spring Valley

    Chapter 27 - Snow Spring Valley


    Snow, spring valley, usually just called as ''''Snow Spring'''' is a place where crystal waters flow even with the harsh snowy weather. Despite even winter, the stream which the valley is named from never freezes. Some say that the reason why so is mainly because of the water of the spring being warm.


    After arriving in this valley, Stian have obviously have touched the water and roughly guess that why the stream/spring is warm, which  probably because of  an active volcano in the vicinity. According to one of the books in Stian''s possession, the area is also considered dangerous not just because of the sudden avalanches  but also due to the existence of the Nivis Trolls which, according to the locals are said to be the minions of Snaer the personification of snow.


    Also One of the warnings given by the locals around here is to never ever stray from the carved paths and the sign boards placed along the valley. And if possible if they can see some of the members of the tribe of black snow, then it would be best to call out to them and ask for assistance.


    Right now Stian has already passed the seventh sign board and is currently on what they call the snow hall. The whole place is basically a long system of cave tunnels that has stalagmites acting as its support beams and creating such wonderful tunnel. Within the snow hall, were also frozen water being dangerous objects  that may poke your head and drain the blood in your head until you die.


    Passing the snow hall, what greets Stian next is  a field of snow that stretches for yards apart and on the  fields are the corners of the valley facing each other. This place is known by the locals as the  snow waves due to the giant waves of avalanches that usually kill traveler''s that are not careful.


    Also one of the most basic manners in passing the area is to be quiet as possible and follow the goddamn signs. After all, those signs have been planted here just to ensure the clueless ones not to be lost or prevent them from acting stupid.


    Slowly Stian took his steps as sweats of ice beads flow from his foreheads as he carefully took one step to another carefully praying that his luck would hold out and make him pass without trouble. Before long, Stian saw the end of the fields and read the signboard.


    According to the signboard , it seems that this signboard is the 8th one and written on the signboard was how Stian just needs to pass the 9th and 10th are then not die on the 11th are to reach the 12th area which the camping grounds of the black now tribe are established at.


    The Black Snow Tribe are the absolute territory rulers of this area and has been ruling the snow spring valley for decades while also being as  an honorable clan by  the town Snow Crest. By the way even though it''s called a town, Snow Crest according to the books is considered a city for some reason.


    It''s called a town but actually not because it''s actually a city, kind of logic. It''s pretty confusing why, but since Stian really doesn''t care about it so he decided to just let brush it off as a relevant question. Eventually, after a bit of walking Stian finally saw the 9th area called Snowy Woods which is like it''s name a very wood infested area.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    No one knows why these trees are very abundant on this area and no one really questions it other than the woodcutters who seems to be camping here. Though they look at Stian with a few curious glances, they did not inquire further and just smoke sort of tobacco and continued about their business. Maybe because it was just his own instincts that he feel the urged to tell the woodcutter''s he passed by to stop smoking on a dense woody area.


    But eventually, Stian stopped himself when he notices the watery ground and the cold winds and conclude that since they are familiar with the area, then they should know their own business and their own taboos, so Stian leave them alone and continued to move on further.


    The tenth area, the area that has the highest percentage of travelers being lost or falling to underground cave systems. This area in particular is now named Snow Winds, because as usual like  what the area is, it''s a land where violent cold wind from the south end of the valley blows more harshly.


    To endure the blowing winds, Stian had to use all the strength on his legs and abdomen while following the carved road in order not lose his way. But even with the gust of wind, Stian was doing fine due to having most of his body strengthen by the wanderer''s hand.


    And finally the last area, the 11th area which consists of fragile blocks of ice that may break when you''re not careful. Though it''s probably the safest of the are mostly because you can actually see the thin ices and the right paths to step into because of the signs. But then, the only problem with the area is how freakishly vast the area is and how you need 2 hours at most, to reach the 12th area which is the black snow tribe''s camping grounds...


    ..... And at some point, Stian have arrived at the end of the area as he sighs in thanks for safely arriving. So why did he have to travel the eleven area''s of danger? It''s simple, because the way Stian came from being through towards the south, which Wodfel is, so therefore in order to reach the point of interest which is Snow Crest. Stian has to travel towards Woodrock village, then follow the main routes towards the blue oak camp grounds and then follow a straighten road route that splits between the way towards Dredl City and enter snow spring valley.


    Though, if for example Stian started on the west part of the continent, Stian would have no problems reaching the town of Snow Crest if he follows the trade routes that the town use. And since that Stian doesn''t really wanna retraced his steps and go back towards mist forest, the barren lands and then passed again by the world tree, so he decided to take the risk of passing through the snow spring valley instead.


    Now that Stian have safely arrive, He didn''t waste any time  and entered the camping grounds of the black snow tribe in order to take a rest.

 Chapter 28 - The Black Snow Camp

    Chapter 28 - The Black Snow Camp


    The Black snow camping grounds, despite being called a camp ground is completely devoid of any tents.  What welcomed Stian was the amount of log houses and the giant bonfire in the middle of the camp. So contrary to what Stian expected, Stian felt depressed.


    Walking towards the camp and turning around the corner, Stian then felt  a large force of impact transmit towards his body as he collided with what it seems to be another person.


    Long silver hair and beautiful green eyes accompanied with a blooming body feasted the eyes of Stian as he look towards the beautiful young girl he have collided with. Seeing that Stian was knocked into the ground flat. The young girl  then stand up  and said.


    ''''Watch where your going  damn it!'''' As she  then run off towards a random direction.


    ''''What was that all about?'''' Stian muttered.


    Stian  then stood up patting the snow away from his body as he then shrugged off what just happen and as he eventually head towards the Elder of the camp grounds.


    During the walk towards the longhouse which the Elder of the camp is located. Stian move his head around as he observe the watch towers and the guard around . Then touching the tip of his chins, Stian thought about the security of the are as he arrived at the front door of the longhouse and knocked inside.


    Using the knuckles of his hand to knock, Stian repeated the action till  a voice came from the inside.


    ''''Who''s there'''' the voice inside the longhouse stated '''' Do you have business to deal with''''


    Stian then took a step back and said ''''Ah, yes I am a newcomer on this camp, so I would like to know if there is a place here for me to stay for a day or two.''''


    ''''Is that so? Then come right in so we can talk properly '''' as the door opened and a muscled man appeared as he slowly observed Stian and said '''' Come in ''''


    ''''Excuse me'''' as Stian walk inside the long house,


    Stian''s eyes then surveyed the area and saw an old man reading papers on his desk as he smoke his tobacco and making a giant puff of air as his eyes then glanced at Stian.


    ''''Sit down'''' the old man stated.


    '''' Ah, thank you'''' as Stian moved towards a chair and sat in front of the old man.


    ''''Welcome to the Black Snow camp, I am Thorin Blacksnow, the elder of this camp and you are?''''


    ''''Nice to meet you sir, I am Stian Peregrine, and like the meaning of  my name I am a wanderer and  a pilgrim who is now traveling towards Snow Crest to see the Ever Winds''''


    ''''The Ever winds huh, that reminds me...'''' as the old man took the tobacco pipe in mouth as then slowly place it towards an ash tray.


    ''''Then lets not idle any longer, currently there are two log houses that can be rented around the southern path of the camp, the renting price would be eighty three coins. Would you like to rent the place?'''' said the old man.


    ''''Then I shall take it '''' as  Stian took the necessary coins in bag of holding.


    ''"Very well, then here is the key to the log house, the only thing you need to know is not to break, steal or start any trouble towards this camp and you will do fine, Understood?'''' as the Old man warned said.


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    ''''I understood., then I shall go now '''' as Stian then lean back  and get up from the chair as he then made his way out towards the door.


    Stepping outside, Stian then made his way towards the southern path of the camp and use the key handed to him to open the log house and step inside while locking the door. Then putting up his hands in the air, Stian took of his backpack, put it besides the corner of the bed as he took out his journal and started writing on it.


    Moments later, Stian then rested his body as he recalled on the journey so far and then slowly closed his eyes for a nap..


    Before long the sky turn black as  nighttime arrives,  around the camp mutters of excited travelers who gathered near the bonfire chatter.


    In his rented log house, Stian open his eyes after the nap and sat down on the bed as he crack a joint and stand up as he turn the backpack besides the bed invisible as he then head towards outside while not forgetting to lock the door with the key.


    Waltzing around the snow, Stian turn his head as he glances around the area looking for a place to eat. Walking around the camp, he then saw what it seems to be an a pub and decided to sat around the corner after ordering a mug of ale as he the lazily drank.


    While drinking Stian then saw a glance of what seems to be guard talking towards his fellow guards as they spoke..


    ''''Have you heard?'''' the guard spoke.


    ''''Yeah, it seems that Elder Thorin seems to have been putting the main hunters on standby ''''


    ''''Looks like those monsters are really coming huh''''


    ''''More or less, it seems the scouts have seen them approached towards the western path of the valley.''''


    ''''How many were found approaching?''''


    ''''A lot it seems, the scout didn''t manage to count them all after being sniffed out by those monsters''''


    ''''Will we really be able to hold them off?''''


    ''''As long as the hunters are here, then we should be safe. Those guys are monsters themselves''''


    ''''True, but I got this bad feeling man''''


    ''''Shhhhh, better not talk about that,  we don''t want to scare ourselves now aren''t we?''''


    " Your right, then lets drink this ale before its cold and leave all that matters to the hunters'''' as one the guards raise the mug of ale towards his mouth.


    Hearing the guards talk, it seems that there is something gonna happen to this camp soon. Though the mention of monsters seem to alarm Stian, he decided to shrug  it off  mainly because of it not being his business.  After all it seems like its nothing to worry about since the guards seem to be confident about the hunters they mention. Stian then continued drinking as he slowly passes the time in the pub and then later on heading back towards his log house in order to take rest for the day while keeping aware of the surroundings outside....

 Chapter 29 - Inducing Guilt

    Chapter 29 -  Inducing Guilt


    After the long dark, the enemies or namely the Nivis trolls did attack the black snow camp but was unable to ensue damage due to the skills of the Hunter''s of the Black Snow which was lead by the Elder of the Black Snow camp, Elder Thorin Blacksnow.


    Though how  the battle gone on is a complete mystery due to the event happening late at night that only a handful was able to saw the battles. During when the event was happening, a certain man named Stian was happily sleeping as he successfully mind his business and did not get involve due to acting like a traveler.


    Stian only have heard the news the moment he return the log house key''s and heard more details during the time he was eating breakfast in the pub. Some say that they have defeated all the Nivis trolls that tried to pillage the camp but the guardsmen and especially the Elder of the camp did not take the chance and warned the travelers to be careful along the way, mainly because that there is a chance that some of the Nivis trolls might have escape during the battle.


    Because of the worrywart personality of Stian, He decided to keep his guard up and even bought a pair of bow and arrows that are coated with oil just in case he encounters one of the Nivis trolls in the way. The oil coated arrow which is the weapon used by the hunters in snow spring valley to deal with the Nivis trolls who have high regeneration abilities.


    There is two ways to kill a Nivis Troll, first is to kill it directly by piercings it heart or brain directly, which usually the less popular option due to how thick the skins of the trolls are. Second is by firing them with oil coated arrows so that they can be burn inside when the arrow pierces them.


    At the current time , Stian Peregrine is now on the road towards Spring Crest in order to see the Ever Winds. On his back is the newly bought arrows and bow which he specifically bought just in case of emergency. But right now in the far distance is looming with an indescribable aura of danger.


    Was it because of the enemy? No, it''s simply because right now Stian is in a process of thinking on what actions will he take from now. Because right this time  there is a certain person on the corner of the road desperately struggling for her life.


    Yes, ''''her''''  life, the person who is currently fighting a  trio of Nivis trolls all by herself is the same woman who Stian bump yesterday who leave shouting ''''Watch where your going  damn it!"  at Stian.


    In a sick twist of fate, they meet again. But at this time the woman is currently busy fighting three Nivis trolls. So shouldn''t Stian help? Go in there and save her from the Nivis trolls by using the power of his guns and wanderer ability?


    Nope


    Why? Because Stian learned his lesson during the accident that happen on Wodfel. That involving yourself with someone''s business will bring no benefit  towards Stian other than waste of bullets and the risk of having being beaten to death by the three Nvis Trolls.


    So Stian grieve in his heart as he was about to turn invisible when suddenly...


    '''' Hey you there, Come and help me!'''' the young girl shouted.


    Stian who heard the shout, did not falter and started walking in a unnatural pace towards the direction where Snow Crest is.


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    Seeing Stian who seems to have no intention of helping the woman said. ''''Oi, oi come on  now, please help me''''


    (Nope didn''t hear anything , come Stian move on forward and pretend its nothing!) Stian muttered


    ''''Hey! Don''t joke around! Come and help me!''''


    (Keep moving , ignore the distress call)


    ''''Hey hey hey come on now don''t  leave''''


    (Move on Stian move on!)


    ''''Please I beg of you, please help!''''


    (Hhahahah nice try)


    ''''Nooo please, dont leave!''''


    (..........)


    ''''Oh my ancestors, it seems I have been abandoned by a heartless person...I shall now let fate decide whether I die here or not''''


    As those words were spoken by the woman, a strong feeling of guilt then resided in Stian''s chest as he thought about the stinging pain of guilt as he grit his teeth and finally......


    Goddamn  it! Damn it!  Ahhhhhh I cant leave this woman alone now............fuck


    As Stian rushed towards the distress woman as the form a spear out of the black energy threads and launching it towards   a Nivis Troll as it digs into the  chest of are of the troll like a drill. Then using the threads to form threads of  energy to squish the organs of the troll.


    As one of the Trolls fell, Stian didn''t waste  time as then use the same move towards into an another troll as the same move completely drilled inside the troll''s head and effectively squishing the brain of the troll.


    Two down and one to go, Stian then face the remaining troll when suddenly the arrows and bows in his back who he forgot about was stolen away from him and was then use to penetrate the last troll with extreme accuracy as it burn into its insides.


    Stian then did a big sighed as approached the  silvered haired woman and asked. ''''Are you alright?''''


    Being surprise by the sudden question directed towards her, the silver haired woman faced Stian and  then said  ''''I am fine, thanks to you''''


    '''' Is that so'''' Stian sighed.


    ''''Well, It did take a lot of convincing for you to help , you sure is heartless you know that?''''


    ''''Shut up, it''s your own problem you know? Besides why didn''t you run?'''' Stian scowled.


    ''Well, I was about to, but then I saw you at the distance thinking deeply as you were about to pass by me pretending to have seen nothing''''


    ''''Tch.....''''


    ''''But anyway, I still thank you for helping me out here, though I can probably escape if it comes to it''''


    ''"You....'''' as Stian realized that he has been  dupe into helping as he furrowed his brows.


    ''''Oh come now, it''s all done, lets move on, by the way whats your name?''''


    ''''Stian Peregrine, Wanderer and Pilgim...and you are?''''


    ''''Cyra Frey, Adventurer and  huntress. Nice to meet you too Stian!''''


    ''''Nice to meet you too Cyra'''' Stian smiled wryly at the woman who have tricked him into killing two Nivis trolls as he then inwardly cursed fate for falling into ruse of the woman in front of him.

 Chapter 30 - A troubled meeting

    Chapter 30 -  A troubled meeting


    ''''Well, since everything seems to okay now, I shall now  take my leave!'''' as Stian  turn towards  the road to Spring Crest.


    ''''Wait , wait up, hey what about your troll?'''' Cyra stated.


    ''''What about it?''''


    ''''These guys are worth a hefty price, and if you sold you get 1500 coins for their skin and 500 for their meat!''''


    ''''That much?'''' as Stian gulped but then " Oh well, just treat it as a gift then''''


    I don''t really wanna get involve with this woman, she gives the same aura that  Ava gave. I better hurry up and leave now.


    ''''Oh come now don''t leave, seriously you killed 2 Nivis trolls that are worth a few fortune and your walking away from it? I am not sure if your dumb or just incredibly rich.'''' Cyra said.


    ''''Don''t mind it, you can have it all for yourself! And you can even keep that bow and arrow that you took from me  isn''t that great, Yes? So I''ll be gone now''''


    ''''Hey, wait up---''''


    Before Cyra , can even finish her sentence, Stian already used all the power on his blessing to move in an incredible speed while turning himself invisible. Although the 2000 coins worth of money is a  pretty good offer. Stian still had coins on his holding so he can still live on  days. If exchanging 4000 worth coins would mean that he have to deal what seems to be a troubling woman then Stian can accept losing 4000 coins!


    I mean, just the moment that the girl  beg and actually look  helpless towards was already convincing! But the moment it was all over the girl actually didn''t need help!


    Goddamn it! Why am I so easily ruse by  women? As Stian muttered in his breath after running for a while in an incredible speed.


    ''''Well that should far enough'''' Stian muttered as he slowly turn off his invisibility. Taking a  look at the road, he then noticed that as he have moved further the snow seems to be thinner. Wondering about that, Stian eventually arrived towards a hill and was then stunned by the contrast of the snow spring valley compared to the new land which is probably the territory and Stian''s goal........The Town of Snow Crest !


    The lovely fields of flowers mixed with a tint of snow glows and feast the eyes of Stian, the wind that blows towards his cheeks felt soft while the back hos body feel the intense cold win. Without even trying to stop himself, Stian already reach his front pocket and took out his camera while gently taking pictures of the scenery with a warm feeling.


    "Click" ''''Click" as the shutter of the camera resounded in the air in succession as  Stian was fully immersed into taking pictures as he then sat down in the hill as he printed out the pictures and eventually taking out his journal to write on the details he have seen and pasted the pictures towards the journal.


    Time passes without Stian noticing as he wrote in his journal and  sat blankly while taking off his goggle mask and hood to feel the atmosphere. As he sat there immerse in the scenery, Stian didn''t notice the one approaching from his behind who is also the reason why he have run faster from the start.


    ''''Ummm are you okay? Your not sick or anything right?'''' Cyra stated


    ''''Of course I am okay! The scenery in front of me has poke my heart in delight!''''


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    ''''Ehhh, it''s just really'' some a plain scene though, I dont see what''s your on about so much''


    ''''Of course you won''t! Only people who don''t have affection towards scenery and the wanting to capture them into your camera won''t understand such feeling!''''


    ''''Is that so? Also what ''s a camera?


    ''''A camera is an optical instrument for recording or capturing images-------wait huh?'''' Stian woke up


    ''''Why did you stop?''''


    ''''Why are you here suddenly? Did you catch up?''''


    ''''Well, I just arrived just now, seriously though it''s pretty rude to run like that suddenly okay?''''


    ''''What the, oh its afternoon already? '''' as Stian was shocked on how long he has been dazed for.''''


    ''''Yep, but really you run away like that and here I found you sitting on this hill putting a placid face as staring into this dull scene'''' Cyra stated.


    ''''Tch, leave me alone, besides how did you find me?''''


    ''''Weeell, considering that this a linear path towards Snow Crest also because a huntress like me can easily track you down.''''


    ''''Track me down easily? How?''''


    ''''No way I am telling you though'''' Cyra said in a frank tone


    '''' Fine, then ''''


    ''''Hahahhah, by the way we should really  going now''''


    ''''What do you mean by ''''we''''  ''''


    ''''Well, first, I need to sell these skins and meats and second I need you to accept the reward for helping.''''


    Stian frowned and said '''' I really don''t need the  coins for the trolls skin and meat though, didn''t I say that?''''


    ''''No can do, It is a big dishonor for someone like me who have been blessed by the Hunting Hand to steal someone''s prey''''


    ''''You say that it''s dishonorable , but didn''t you ruse me into helping you?'''' Stian question the lady.


    ''''I cant helped it! I didn''t  know that were be two more of those trolls you know?''''


    ''''Sure sure sure, but didn''t you also said that you can escape?''''


    ''''True, but well since you were there standing around I just called for help you know? Also, I didn''t ruse you know? I know I did act  helpless but you could have just walked away   you know?


    ''''How can I walk away when you were inducing so much guilt by calling me heartless?'''' Stian scowled.


    ''Hahahahahh'' Cyra laughed and said '''' Anyway, we should be going now, your new to this place right?''''


    ''''Yeah, what about it?''''


    ''''Then, you should know that once the Ever Winds gather then these lands would be more colder than it''s already is. Even the plots of lands you see here would turn into ice.''''''


    ''''Really? '''' Stian grew alarmed.


    ''"Yep, after all, the ever winds are formed because of the windstorm that the snow spring valley conjures so naturally the place would turn cold and frozen.''''


    ''''Is that true?''''


    ''"Well, your free to stay here and freeze your butt off, but since you saved me from those trolls then I really would feel guilt  if I leave you here.'''' Cyra smiled teasingly.


    ''''Fine, then lead the way '''' Stian decided to give up for now.


    As Cyra nodded and started lifting the  heavy looking rucksack easily as she lead the way towards Snow Crest as Stian followed behind while putting on his hood and mask back as the two of them  walk into the town where the Ever Winds will show its splendor.

 Chapter 31 - Town of Snow Crest

    Chapter 31 - Town of Snow Crest


    Snow Crest Town, the town that can be rightly called a city. But though reasons unknown the town refuses to change it''s status as a City.  The reason for such thing according to others was that the town doesn''t dare to be called a city when the town of Snow Crest doesn''t even have such great thing like a seedling tree.


    But one thing that can be called ''great'' in this town was the Ever Winds, the bright auroras of light that dances in the night sky of the start of winter, for though it is common to see the aurora''s of light in the continent of Valhalla, what makes them special in Snow Crest is that due to the natural valley formation of snow spring and the crystal clear streams and the hidden lake in the valley that it magnifies the aurora lights.


    For starters the buildings in the Snow Crest Town are made out of stone bricks rather than the usual town''s and city where they are mostly made out of wood in order for the blessings of the world tree to be latched into their homes and be blessed with blooming flowers that freshen the air and surrounding of their homes.


    So the usual reaction of someone new entering the  town of snow crest would always be kind of dumbfounded and  would feel different due to the atmosphere.


    ''''Hey, can you sell the skin and meat already? There are like merchant stalls line up right here'''' said Stian.


    ''''What are you saying? You can''t sell untanned fur skin and uncured meat to the merchants '''' Cyra stated.


    ''''Why?, merchants buy that kind of stuff right?''''


    ''''If they were already tanned fur and cured meat, but merchants buy and sell things, so naturally some of them have no idea on how to tanned fur skins and or cure  meat especially the ones that belongs to Nivis Trolls''''


    '''' Then, shouldn''t they learn some things like that? '''' Stian question.


    ''''Well, firstly they have to gather tools, second the cost of tanning the skins and the waiting, and also why would they need to bother that much when they can''t immediately make profit out it?''''


    ''''I don''t know... stockpile them maybe?''''


    ''''Whatever, anyway lets go the Black Snow House we can sell these things there ''''


    ''''Why there?'''' asked Stian


    ''''Because they are hunters and they know how to deal with these kind of stuff?'''' '' as Cyra furrowed her brows


    ''''(Excuse me, for not being use to  the hunting  trade, I might know how to skinned and roast meat ,but selling them is not something I have done yet..)''''


    ''''Anyway The Black Snow House, the place which the Black Snow Tribe does their trading in the town. In this  town they are the ones who usually handles the tanning of skins or curing meat so lets go there and get our pay'''' as Cyra  then stride forward.


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    *****


    As the two walk towards the Black Snow house, Stian who have been following Cyra have already taken out his camera as he took shots of the surrounding area while keeping an eye that no ones notices the floating lens that his desperately hiding under his cloak.


    With the camera, Stian has been into his own world, while  he takes images of the road,buildings and even the terraces that has flowing water that flows into them as a wheel of some sort distribute and flows the water into the pipes.


    According to the book that Stian got, the Town of Snow Crest  is also the home of Dvergr ''s  aka dwarves that lives in the mountains that surrounds the Town. According to the info in the book that Stian got, around the town of Snow Crest, there is number of tunnels that connects straight towards the mountain.


    In that place lies the  mines and workshops of  the Dvergr''s which many of the town''s blacksmiths resides. And also because of the inventive minds of the Dwarfs that the reason why there are such strange machine line things is scattered around Snow Crest is because of their wanting to try things that may improve the town they reside.


    Anyway, since the town is full of  such race, that showing the camera or even letting any of them see my equipment''s would be akin to asking them to dissemble them into pieces. So because of that,  Stian doesn''t dare to carelessly swing around his camera.


    After eventually arriving at the Black Snow house, Cyra didn''t waste any time and walked towards the counter and dealt with the materials they have. After a few talks, the transaction was done and Stian was handed  the coins he received and was about to leave.


    ''''Now, that''s all done and you have already handed my share of coins, so I can now right?'''' Stian asked.


    ''''Yup, you can  go now. See ya later Stian'''' said Cyra as she dashed off towards the door


    ''''Yeah, yeah see ya later.'''' as Stian wave his hand goodbye.


    Wew, finally she is gone..well time to find some Inn to stay  I guess.


    Without wasting time, Stian walked out of the trading house of the Black Snow  as he started asking around for a good Inn to stay during the time he will be spending in this town.


    After Going through the process of asking around the place, Stian bought a hand drawn map from one of the merchant stalls and decided to head to an Inn that is close to the  lookout point where eventually the Ever Wind''s will be clearly  seen in it''s beautiful splendor.

 Chapter 32 - The Strangest and the Taboos

    Chapter 32 - The Strangest and Taboos


    Renting a room in the Inn, Stian left his backpack and of course made it steal proof by  applying various traps and making it invisible with the power of the Wanderer''s Hand. After all right now there was no need to carry the baggage in Stian everywhere so therefore the only thing that he left on his holding is main weapon who  is now sticking inside his cloak using a makeshift holster and the camera who is hanging on his shoulder.


    Since the event that Stian came here for wouldn''t be until tomorrow. He decided to for now look for a place to eat. And naturally since he just earned 4000 coins by coincidence, so therefore he decided to waste them into food and wine. Although would be really good to save the coins for the journey but his stomach has already decided to control Stia''s mind into eating food.


    Finding a table to seat in a restaurant that have a terrace on the second floor and sat there waiting for the food he ordered to be arrive. Seating on the terrace was fine even though their were drops of snow because of the  cloth roof that slides the snow  horizontally towards the ground.


    Sitting on the table alone enjoying the food that has just recently arrive, Stian was staring breathlessly towards the town that  is somewhat  peculiar  due to being mix of buildings made of stone bricks that  makes the town look like a medieval steampunk town.


    Being captivated by it. obviously Stian have already captured the scenery before the food arrived and have been dazedly staring at the strange but beautiful city surrounded by valleys of snow and streams of water. Taking a sip of the wine that what seems to be brewed by the Dvergr''s, a voiced called out to Stian.


    ''''Hey there . mine if I sit right here?''''


    ''''Sure~~~what the hell?''''


    ''''Huh? What''s wrong?'''' said the Old man


    ''''Why are you here?''''


    ''''What do you mean?''''


    ''''Aren''t you that old man in Blue Oak?''''


    ''''We meet? Hmmmmmmmmm, oh yeah! your that newcomer who got scared by blue acorn smokes now aren''t you?''''


    ''''Yeah, yeah that''s me, how the hell did you get here?''''


    ''''Well, I am an old man of this continent so I know the fastest route to things.''''


    ''''Is that so?'''' as Stian doubted.


    ''''Since, Im sitting here already then let me introduce myself, the name is Ron Byrd, an old fella who has already retired from adventuring, you can call me ''Old Ron'' like everyone else''''


    ''''Well, Nice too meet you I guess, Stian Peregrine , like my name I am Wanderer and Pilgrim..''''


    ''''Nice to meet you too! The name is Cyra Frey!'''' as a familiar sounded at Stian''s side.


    ''''You....why are you here?'''' Stian growled.


    ''''Because I want to eat food after getting some coins?'''' Cyra answered.


    ''''Hohohhoho, what an interesting bunch..'''' Old Ron stated.


    ''''Whatever, I am just gonna eat  this ''''


    ''''How mean, why are you so evasive?''''


    ''''Instincts  tells me so''''


    ''''Oh come on, do I look that dangerous to you? Cyra pouted.


    ''''No you look beautiful and harmless  that after you ruse me into helping that my mind decided to instinctively avoid you because of it..''''


    ''''Hahahahaha, come on now, don''t waste your breaths on bickering each other, lets eat.'''' as Old Ron calms the two down.


    ''''''Fine, then.'''''''' Stian and Cyra replied.


    Eventually the trio continued eating in the terrace as they eat in silence with the food in the plate and the wine on their mugs, then as if breaking the silence, Old Ron spoke.


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    ''''So, are you fellas gonna see the Ever Winds?'''' Old ron asked.


    ''''Yeah, that is the reason why I am here of course'''' Stian replied.


    ''''Nope,  Seen it already so I don''t have any plans on seeing it again.'''' Cyra Stated.


    ''''Is that so?'''' as Old Ron stated in a calm tone.


    ''''So why are you asking?''''


    ''''Nothing much, just asking  randomly. Anyway, it seems it''s time for me to  go now ,see you fellas around. '''' As Old Ron stand up from his seat and walked away from the table and made his way downstairs..


    ******


    After Old Ron arrive and left just like that after eating fast. Stian then glance his eyes towards his side and asked.


    ''''By the way where are you gonna leave?''''


    ''''Come now....seriously I know that I beg and trick you into helping, but isn''t being too mean overdoing it?''''


    ''''Not really, I am trying my hardest not to get involved with strange people''''


    ''''Have you stop looking from a mirror for a while?  Your even more odd than me, especially that whole outfit of yours you know?..''''


    ''''Leave my outfit alone.''''


    ''''But seriously , I am really sorry, even though its your doing that you help me...''''


    ''''Tch....'''' Stian thought for a while and  decided to give up...


    ''''Fine, all is forgiven''''


    ''''Phew, I thought your gonna start bitching again...'''' Cyra stated.


    ''''You....'''' Stian look furiously


    ''''It''s a joke, jeez calm down will you?''''


    ''''Okay, I get it....'''' Stian furrowed his brows as put his cheeks on his table while looking away in the distance.


    ''''By the way..'''' Stian muttered


    ''''What?'''' as she answered while taking a sip of her mug.


    ''''Did you sell the bow and arrow?''''


    ''"Nope already sold it, why? Do you need jt?


    ''''Nothing just asking'''' as Stian continued to put his cheeks on the table.


    ''''Is that so? Well, it''s not like your gonna need it considering how you manage to defeat those Nivis trolls..Was that magic or something? Or was it your blessing? ''''


    ''''Magi, definitely magic'''' as Stian evaded  ''''That reminds me, you said you have a blessing of the Hunting Hand...what does it do?''''


    ''''Not telling''''


    ''''Why?'''' Stian asked


    ''''Because it''s your blessing? I mean why would you ever show your Blessing and flaunt them into people faces? Why would you let a blessing that is considered rare and the things it can do be revealed to people who might exploit you? Unless your like a certain woman who has an obsession on using her powers for others then go, reveal it to everyone and be used. As for me, there is no way I am telling anyone what my blessing can do, so don''t be offended okay? Just know that its the hunter''s hand, that enough. ''''


    ''''Then I won''t ask''''


    ''''Thank you for that then. After all unless your pretty strong and versatile then the only one who should know your abilities is the person who have first known that power.'''' Cyra stated.


    '''' I see'''' as Stian replied.


    After all the first time he have arrived in this world, the wanderer''s hand was activated by Ava herself... and also the fact that there seems to be a lot of trouble going in on for people who have blessings...But even with that, during the time in Wodfel, those blood kin''s of Oss has blessing themselves.


    And for what Cyra said, it seems taboo''ish for others to know about the given capabilities of your blessing..Now that Stian have heard of such taboo, then he need be even careful on using the blessing he possess .

 Chapter 33 - Waiting for the Ever Winds

    Chapter 33 -  Waiting for the Ever Winds


    After eating in that place, Stian and Cyra parted, since she had no interest in seeing the bright lights that the aurora will give. So Stian didn''t even bother and decided to leave . Right now the only thing that can he do is to watch the snow as it goes insane in falling.


    Eventually the boredom has been spread inside Stian''s mind so decided to explore the town while keeping his camera at hand just in case he find something that will please his eyes.


    So Stian walk towards what it seems to be a place that has parts that are used for the steampunk devices. Though the workshops and blacksmiths are hold up on the mountain where none can enter other than the secret tunnel that  is only available for the known members .According to the people around it seems that outsiders are strictly  restricted to enter and everyone who dares will be subdued.


    Thus Stian didn''t bother and just walk towards what it seems to be the garrison of the town. Due to the presence of the Black Snow Tribe here, most of the militia''s in the town has  crest of the tribe and seems to be currently having  a drill.


    Looking around the base garrison there was huge metal  humanoid that is half the size of a two story building. in its chest were turbine like mechanism''s that seems to pump the what seems to some sort of fuel that spreads around its body.


    According to the people around here, the huge metal humanoid powered by Steam and magic is what they call a Jarnstryke. A weapon made by the Dvergr and also the symbol of their cooperation within these town. Also because of these monstrous weapons that the town has been safe and no one dares to ever do some trouble.


    Stian furrowed his bros and thought


    Why do those Dvergr''s looking for me  the moment they heard of my guns when they can build things like these? I can understand the merchants being merchansts wanting to buy the schematics and rights for replication  but why do they want my guns?


    At some point, Stian stopped having thoughts  and then pointed his camera towards the metal giant and push the button in order to capture the image of the metal giant that emits an aura of fear. After taking the photo, Stian didn''t dawdle anymore as he walk towards the stream where the giant water wheel of the town is located.


    As Stian walked, he then saw Old Ron who seems to be talking to someone and took a glance for a moment. Eventually the man that Old Ron was talking to then walked away and Old Ron who felt the glare of Stian then called out to him.


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    ''"Hello there young man''''


    ''''Sup Old Ron, Who was that?''''


    ''''Oh nothing, just someone I need to contact with for business  who is totally not suspicious''''


    ''''Ohhhh,  whats its about?'''' Stian asked


    ''''Nothing, just handing some totally not suspicious reports that totally won''t do any harm''''


    ''''I see, then I''ll be off now. see ya later''''


    ''''Bye then''''


    Stian then turn his back towards the old man as he then sat near a bench and watched the waterwheel rotate as it gushes streams of crystal clear water. Around the bank of the stream where the water flows are children''s who seems to be playing in the water despite the cold weather.


    Stian thought for a while why there parent''s are letting them play in such cold weather when it then hit Stian that the waters are warmed and that technically them playing there would warm them. After taking pictures of the stream and the added warm scene of playing in the water as the snow falls. Stian then headed out towards the market and in order to look for some new weapon he can defend himself with.


    ******


    After the talk with Cyra about the blessings and being exploited. Stian decided to look for weapon that he can use in order to have something to use other than his guns and blessing. So eventually he started looking for weapons in the stalls.


    From spears, daggers, long and short swords and even war hammers  and axes were displayed on the stalls. But despite the very generic designs that the merchants are being so enthusiastic in shouting and trying to sell off of the people.


    Though I did tried looking Dvergr products but it seems that the Dvergr''s doesn''t their own weapons and especially their muskets are heavily regulated and in the market the only thing they sell are their own crafted items which are just basically swords with different designs that could you look at and tell ''''Oh its a a Dvergr crafted weapon'''' in a glance.


    Though it would be more probable to look for a weapon with practical use other than it''s cool factor. I still decided to buy a Dvergr Eaglehead Scimitar which seems to be sturdy and is of high quality. And even if it''s not then I can probably just reinforced with my wanderer''s black threads in order reinforced it while it''s still in a sheath in order for not to be suspected. After that Stian decided he have enough for wandering a while and decided to go back to the Inn .


    Later on after Stian woke up , he did the usual things and eat at the same restaurant and soon headed towards the lookout point that the phenomena that he came here for will happen.

 Chapter 34 - Auroras of Trouble

    Chapter 34 - Auroras of Trouble


    I Stian Peregrine is currently taking a sit a bench in the lookout point. Right now I''m currently eating a  skewer with meat of unknown origins. This time I have taken the best seat in the lookout due to me being early in endeavors. With a  warm mug of dwarven ale and a lot of skewers in hand. I can honestly say that I am ready for this event.


    Looking at the crowd who is slowly getting bigger. I then felt relieved in my heart that I have picked this  high spot. With this spot I can take out my camera and take pictures without worries! So though  I do not know who have put this old bench here away from the lower grounds of the lookout that you need to climb this high...but it matters not since I Stian, thank such person for giving me a spot.


    Suddenly the cold blows of winds arrived at the lookout point. Due to me being a worrywart, I have already predicted such furious gust of winds so therefore I already attack black energy threads towards my skewers and my bottle of ale. But even with that one of the skewers I bought flew into the sky.....having tears in my eyes I then grit my teeth as I saw the skewer fall into the depths of the cliff...


    As I look up in the sky, there the aurora''s called the Ever Winds have started to form  as the gust of winds clashes with some sort of force before it gets spread away, according to the book of this world, that forced that has stopped the Ever Winds is some sort of discharge that happen due to what it seems to be a natural element in Snow Crest that can be called as a Mana field.


    This Mana field, seems to enveloping the town completely. For example If I were to compare it to my own world''s terms then take  the mana field as if it''s the earth''s magnetic shields and the Ever Winds, who seems to be a combination of cold and hot that came from the snow filed as the solar flares.


    One the Ever Winds hit  the mana field of this town, then that mana field would react strongly and then create this bluish red and green lights of aurora''s. Although according to the book the cause of such mana field is due to the heavy tampering of the Dvergr''s in the area and their endless inventions and experiments that the mana field was created.


    Because according to the old information''s that are centered in town. It seems that before Snow Crest became a town, the harsh winds were intimidating and would usually would hamper the village, and soon after years a group of...no a brigade size of Dvergr''s moved into the village and made contributions and have taken the underground valleys as their homes. During that time the Black Snow Tribe was a bit skeptic first but was then slowly appease when not only they started doing strange useful things into the village, they also gave the town a rebuild using their machines until the current Snow Crest''s appearance has been achieved and even gave them a safe trading route they can travel with instead of passing the Snow Spring Valleys.


    Eventually the Dvergr''s were completely accepted and the Black Snow Tribe was fine with them. After all who would backbite them after they have done such unimaginable things? And so because of that they leave be and let them do what they want. Also Because of that such passion and obsession on developing new things that somewhere along the line that they accidentally created  and spread the mana fields into succession which is also made the town warm and carefree despite the weathers of the valleys.


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    ******


    At present Stian  has already been on state of daze, not even bothering to eat his skewers or drinking his ale. Stian was immersed in taking pictures of the dancing lights of aurora''s and have been attracted to it''s splendor and is currently inside his own world.


    Before long, an hour has passed. Yet still the lights of the aurora''s didn''t still vanished. Thus the people on the lookout point also didn''t naturally leave. So before Stian can even took a bite of his skewer someone intruded him.


    ''''Hey, something is really wrong here you know''''


    Stian look at the voice and replied ''''Yep, something really is wrong here. A certain girl once said that she had no interest on seeing the bright splendors of the Ever winds but right now is currently  speaking behind me... ''''


    ''''No, not that. I mean I really don''t have any interest on seeing it again, but the ever winds are really taking long on calming down..'''' Cyra stated


    ''''What do you mean about that Ms. Stalker who seems to have a thing into appearing suddenly?''''


    ''''Please stop with the nicknames''''


    ''''If you tell me how you track me down then sure I will''''


    ''''I am Huntress, so It''s easy to track someone like you! ''''


    ''''That''s not really the answer that I want, but whatever. So what about the Ever winds?''''


    ''''You see the Ever Winds usually just last an hour long but this time it seems  to still no signs of stopping.''''


    ''''I don''t see what wrongs about that'''' Stian replied


    ''''Well, the Ever Winds are really not the problem. Don''t you know that this place is surrounded by a mana field right?''''


    ''''I do what about it?''''


    ''''You see every time the Ever Winds collided with the mana field, the snow it created becomes a problem. Due to mana and snow clashing together that the collision of such forces would trigger an anomaly.  That anomaly is well known here as the effect of the ever winds... the Snow Giants.''''


    ''''Snow Giant''s?''''


    ''''Yes, the Snow Giants, constructs made of snow and along with the Nivis trolls are the minions of the one they call Snaer, the personification of snow.''''


    ''''So you mean...''''''


    ''''If this continues then, the black snow tribe and  the garrison of this town are gonna have more trouble than what they used to...''''


    ''''What the fuck, wait shouldn''t we escape from here now?'''' Stian panicked.


    ''''Whoa calm down for a bit...it may look serious but there is no way the black snow tribe and this town''s garrison can''t handle this situation, besides do you really think you can escape this town with ever winds  blowing like that?''''


    ''''I see....'''' Stian look down towards the ground.


    ''''Don''t worry though, as long as that Jarnstryke is here then we are probably safe from harm.''''


    ''''That is reassuring'''' Stian thought of the giant metal humanoid as he took deep breaths and then took a sip of his ale to calm himself down.

 Chapter 35 - Caged Town of Snow Crest

    Chapter 35 -  Caged Town of Snow Crest


    Since the ever winds didn''t stop, the town of snow crest is now like a cage. Moreover so the town is now in siege for three days due to the conjured Snow Giants outside the town. But despite being in siege the town of Snow Crest was not alarmed and is very confident  that the garrison and the Black Snow Tribe will not let any of those monsters to invade the town.


    Since, it was not a problem for most of the town folks, I Stian  have also put some faith in the forces of this town. Hence it is something that I should  meddle in. This problem may  affect me but this situation is not something I could trouble myself with.


    Also, under the circumstances that the town would be invaded then I would  probably take the trading route and escape. Thus I pray that the forces of this town would be able to successfully defend this town till the ever winds calm down.


    On the other hand, I Stian is currently on my room writing on my journal and pasting the printed pictures towards the journal. After the day it was declared, the only times I would go out would be either just to wander  around the town or eating at the restaurant with a terrace.


    Sometimes, I would meet Old Ron who is still handing some totally not suspicious reports to a totally not suspicious person.


    And of course I would also encounter the huntress  Cyra Frey who has a habit of suddenly appearing out of thin air who somehow tracks me down wherever I go. Though I do admit that she is playful person, she is a good person.....maybe?


    But, anyway since the town was isolated because of the ever winds that Cyra  Frey has been a constant companion that has been keeping me company for some reason. Obligatory I would always try to trap her into revealing her methods but somehow she casually brushes off anything that might reveal her methods and even  playing with words doesn''t shake anything from her.


    I understand that she is trying to protect her methods in order to not be exploited but curiosity doesn''t allow me to stop asking. It may sound hypocritical for a guy who is trying his hardest to conceal his ability to be asking but since I am not being too forceful then it should be fine right?


    Up to now I have been trying to conceal my abilities due to the fear of having my equipment''s discovered by a group that has a deep obsession on inventing and developing things. During my wandering around this town, I took the time to gather information about the Dvergr''s and found out that even with their obsession and brashness the Dvergr''s are rude friendly towards those who interest them.


    Some say that if you go into a store manage by a Dvergr, you would be stared to death by them and sometimes would chase you out if your attitude towards the creation would be unappreciative and rude. But despite that they still accept criticisms in order to improve or develop their creations.


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    During the second day of the siege, which was just yesterday. I visited a shop run by a Dvergr named Govor. Govor was practically a silent Dvergr and despite my expectations of dwarves being short, Govor is tall and possesses muscles so firm looking that it almost resembles a rock.


    Anyway, during the time I was looking at his wares I was struck in excitement as I look on how cool and steampunk looking his wares were, that I grew enjoyment  just by looking at them. One of the most coolest thing that I found on his wares were the retractable blade gauntlet that according to him can be used for having better grips during climbing and is also well protected and is commonly an item desirable by most of the explorer''s and map makers mostly because of that strong blade that can pierce through cliffs which can also make the user be at easy since the blade of the gauntlet was made from an sturdy metal and can be use to stab through the cliff in order for the owner to use it as an emergency axe harness.


    So because I Stian, was so entranced by it that I bought it despite it''s swooping price, which cause all the money I got for the Nivis troll fur and skin to be spend entirely. Govor who was having a blank face saw the expression I have suddenly burst out laughing  and said that I was like who was having a new toy and that the face I was making satisfied him.


    After buying the gauntlet, I immediately paired the gauntlet with the iron bracer in my left hand and decided to leave, though despite the satisfied face the shop owner named Govor had. It seems that he would be happy to let him browse his wares again but still won''t give discount....


    Anyway, leaving that event already behind and closing my journal, I took out the Eaglehead Scimitar I bought before the the ever winds started blowing and took it out of it''s sheath. Using the blessing of the wanderer''s hand, I then covered the whole blade except it''s sheath with threads of black energy  and took out another sword which I bought for this occasion..


    *Clang* *Clang* as I swing the sword towards  the Scimitar and then found out that not only that the Scimitar didn''t even got dent, it also manage to cut through the sword and dented it.  As I sheath back my  Eaglehead Scimitar, Hence I  then pulled out my pocket knife and embedded it with the same black threads and did the same actions towards the dented sword.


    With the passive strength,  I was able to successfully gouge the pocket knife towards the sword and effectively denting the sword even more. Putting away the pocket knife I then move towards the window and took the dented sword with me as I formed threads in order to cover the dent of the sword. Seeing that it seems to have worked I then put the sword in my lap as I watched the snow fall even harder than yesterday..

 Chapter 36 - Wounded Town of Snow Crest

    Chapter 36 -  Wounded  Town of Snow Crest


    Five days since the continuous fighting towards the Snow Giants and the town has already suffered injuries. Some of the garrison forces were surrounded and was battered to pieces by the Snow Giants. Broken bones, bleeding body and some even have to be amputated due to their utterly smash limbs.


    The Town of Snow Crest is wounded. Days of nonstop fighting no matter how many potions or healers they have, those healers will be tired. There is also an issue of mana regeneration and the constant  use of healing potions and salve have made the entire town almost empty out of them due to the garrison forces hoarding the medicine supplies in order to fend off the constant attacks of the Snow Giants.


    The Giant metal humanoid of the town or the Jarnstryke who have been running for twenty four hour''s a day have already started being damage which also made the Dvergr''s inside their underground valley come out with their muskets in hand and started joining the siege while the other half of the Dvergr''s  proceeded to repair the Jarnstryke  and while the rest started installing mounted repeater ballistas  and canons.


    During that time, Stian didn''t dare to miss their appearance and discovered that the musket they fired are more akin to an anti material rifle rather than a rifle. With the build of the Dvergr''s, they were able to easily handle their weapon which uses mana to propel their projectiles.


    When Stian, caught of this, he naturally tried doing the same thing by forming a bullet with the black threads and adding white energy to substitute for gunpowder  to act as it''s ignition. Though the thing did fire , it was very inferior and is a tier below compared to the pre made ammunition he have.


    And for why Stian didn''t use mana because he simply doesn''t possess any mana. When he ask Cyra about why he can''t use mana like her. She said that  only those who have higher compatibility with the world or loved by this world  can possess mana.


    Hearing this Stian knew why he didn''t have mana, it was simple. He was not from this world and naturally the ''mana'' here would be incompatible towards his body and it was indeed a blessing that he was given by the Wanderer''s Hand.


    If Stian didn''t possess the Wanderer''s hand then he would probably only last until all the bullets in his holding is depleted. Hence, in a world full of monsters, mages and people that possesses blessing then he would be dead meat if he don''t have his guns for protection.


    So partly it was a great blessing for him to possess the wanderer''s hand. Although it was fairly disappointing not being able to cast spells because of the lack of mana in him...which something made the inner dreams of Stian shattered into pieces and the he thought that you really can''t  have everything in life.


    ******


    Moving along the day, the sounds of muskets and roars were like a natural thing on the town of snow crest was still on a siege. With the help of the Dvergr''s machines and weapons the situation was bit better and the things were not half bad anymore.


    But even with that , the front vanguard''s are still getting injured and after a long time have finally have suffered casualties after a horde Snow Giant''s stampede  two groups of vanguards into death. And because of that the garrison forces were now even willing to let mercenaries to fight  in the siege and is also given coins ask a fee for joining the siege and if the siege was done, the mercenaries who fight for the town would be given handsome rewards.


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    Naturally, because of such promising and tempting reward that most of the mercenaries who have just been standing still on pubs and taverns have been joining the fight. Stian naturally didn''t joined and stayed on as spectator who recorded the events with his camera.


    Though, Cyra who  Stian slightly regards as friend joined the fray as a scout, did try to coax Stian into joining but gave up during her hundred and three times of asking. And since naturally the siege was ongoing that Cyra have been constantly doing work.


    Old ron, who was still doing not suspicious periodical reports to the totally not suspicious person he contacts naturally only have a little time to drink with Stian since he was also rather getting busy. To Stian the Old man was something akin to someone he actually respects due to him replying to his questions and because of his answers that Stian was saved from  the disaster of waking up having a sore butt.


    Next, Govor who was the shop owner of a Dvergr  store have fortified his shop due to events happening outside the town and have moved his wares to his storage which is located in his basement. And because of that when Stian visited he was severely disappointed and leave the premises when he found out that Govor has moved them.


    By then another three days have passed and the town is wounded mainly due to a group of Snow Giants penetrating the perimeter and destroying a watch tower. During that breach, many people were alarmed and the tension of the battle was getting even more hectic.


    There were backbiting and distraught on the garrison forces, for the breach and everyone was starting to point fingers at those who have they found the cause of such carelessness. The Town Lord also heard the trouble and did his best on rallying morale and was successful in endeavor.


    After all when everyone look at the town lord''s tired expression and eyes no one dared to say anything, Since the one handling all the defenses and  the distribution of the forces was naturally the town lord himself. And because of that the backbiting and distraught was dismissed and morale was raised.


    A day have passed since the town lord appeared  and raised morale. With the  morale being high the forces were naturally affected by it and regain their fighting spirit and the hordes of Snow Giants were fended off without anyone dying... Everything was going their way, Stian thought so too, but yet the ever winds still did not stop and even got stronger.


    And because of that  stronger wind tension rise again but the garrison forces were keeping a strong spirit. But all that change when during one of the waves weapon that they have relied the most.. the weapon that have been guarding the gates non stop...The Jarnstryke, the symbol of unity between the humans of Snow Crest and Dvergr have fallen...

 Chapter 37 - Invasion in the Town of Snow Crest

    Chapter 37 -  Invasion in the Town of Snow Crest


    The ten ft tall giant of Snow Crest had fallen, and like a domino the rest of the defenses felled one by one till the perimeters were fully breach.


    Ice Giants, a stronger form of the Snow Giants, monsters that towers for at least twenty feet high. With it''s harden ice only hammers or cannon, muskets can directly destroy it. And so with the Dvergr''s  combine fire barrage of the Muskets that the first  ice giant was somehow defeated.


    But yet the Dvergr''s were not satisfied with the victory. After all there were still hordes of Snow Giants and even ones who are turning into Ice Giants.  With the perimeter breach and having it near impossible to repair due to the constant constructs of Snow Giants.


    With their own mana also being depleted, the Dvergr''s also started retreating and run back to an outpost in order to take a rest while the Black Snow Tribesmen and the Mercenaries would take care of them for a while.


    Burst of spells and large sound of ice cracking and breaking had turn the entire town into a loud battlefield. Blood were splattered everywhere as the garrisoned forces were fighting the Snow Giant hordes and breaking apart every snow giant that would turn into Ice Giants.


    Buildings and stalls were being destroyed and the once peaceful town of  Snow Crest has been turn upside down.Oddly the  Merchant stalls and shops were strangely being targeted and the  establishments that provides accommodates  has also been severely crush.


    Pubs and Taverns, were turn into bases by the mercenaries and the owners were also being lenient and did not try to stop the mercenaries after a lot of consideration. After all if the mercenaries takes shelter  on their building then wouldn''t that mean  they would be protected in exchange  for giving them  a place to rest and warm ale to keep them from the cold? And thus the owners of the establishments grit their teeth due to the loss of profit and just and think about such things after the storm passes.


    Next,  the resident of the towns who is now evacuating their houses in hurry as they entered the stronghold of the town lord in search for protection. But sadly  some  did not make in time and didn''t manage to enter the stronghold.


    Among the citizens there were distraught but was calmed down when a citizen took the lead and decided to lead them to fort of the Black Snow Tribe. There they were able to enter the fort of the Black Snow Tribe, but since space was limited some were forced to camp out in the cold outdoors.


    And so in order to fend off the cold winds the citizens then made a group to gather logs that can be burn so that they can use it to make a bonfire. After that, the citizens were able to manage a bonfire and was a bit better.


    After all, it would be a lot better to stay in the courtyard of  the Black Snow Tribe rather than wait on their homes in the mercy of  the monsters who have invaded their town. Besides there was a sense of safety in the territory of the Black Snow Tribe.


    Naturally the Black Snow Tribe is willing to protect the citizens of their hometown. With all the Tribesmen  of the Black Snow being raised and born in Snow Crest how could they  not share their current grievances?  The Black Snow Tribe made an oath towards their hometown and they intend to keep it despite the looming darkness that crawls..


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    ******


    At the moment,  in the rooftop of a still standing house there lies a man covered in a black cloak who is currently recording images of the event that is happening around the town he is in.  Ten day have passed since the siege started and Stian who has been spectating with his camera have already recorded a lot of scenes in his camera.


    During those time some have questioned him why he just watches while everyone is struggling. So Stian replied with a single line.


    " Are you kidding me? I can''t defeat those monsters''''


    After all how in the heavens can Stian defeat constructs of snow and walking blocks of Ice with a gun or even a scimitar? No matter how much he will shoot the bullets won''t any damage to inanimate creatures. A sharpen blade might be able to slice the blocks of Ice but Stian can''t just continuously hack it with a body without mana.


    He might be able to subdue them by forming a giant hammer and smashing them directly in the head down to the chest but something like that is impractical due to weight  issues and the speed of the swing. Not to mention that before he can lift the giant hammer he might  get stomped in the process by the monsters.


    So how about turning invisible you may ask? Obviously Stian have already tried it but due to the heavy snow landing on him the snow reveals his from and makes him looks a snowman and also because of that  the a mercenary almost killed Stian with a blast of   mana waves. So therefore Stian have forfeited the idea of turning invisible since the ability only have the power to reflect the lights, not anything physical.


    Furthermore, the giant monsters don''t have eyes and sees using their own senses which have the similar concept  on how Detect Aura and Detect life works. So therefore even with Stian being invisible in the eyes of others, he would be completely visible in front of a Snow and Ice  monsters.


    Thus, the only thing that Stian can rely on is his phantom ability. Since his Shadow wraith like form can turn invisible and can pass through objects it is the only ability in  Stian''s hand that he could  use. With the form of a phantom Stian can freely fly through the sky and charged and form giant hammers to pulverize enemies..


    It''s a good ability but the only major downfall of the ability is that with prolong exposure to the form , Stian would go blank out and feel nothing and is  like a literal shadow. If he stayed in the form for so long , Stian will lost his control and would turn into a mindless animal who functions by instincts. Hence why the shadow wraith or phantom form can be called as a double edged sword that can be harmful and consumes a lot of mental strength to stay in form.


    And so thus why Stian is on the roof just recording  things rather than being on the battlefield since he would be of no help at all. That''s why right now he is working as a scout for the current group he have joined up with. And since their base is the restaurant with a terrace where they originally gathered they have been defending that place using their own strength while they made Stian who has been reduce to a scout as he makes his way towards the marketplace..

 Chapter 38 - Surviving the Invasion of Snow Crest

    Chapter 38 - Surviving the Invasion of  Snow Crest


    During the ten days of the siege there were a lot of problems  that arose during the conflict.


    First was medicine.


    With all the constant and almost endless horde of Snow Giant''s, all the forces in the town of Snow Crest would naturally be injured and thus because of that  during this invasion of giants that they need serious constant medicine supplies to survive.


    Second was weapons.


    With the constant surge of enemy the weapons used by the garrison and all the forces in the town would naturally  deteriorate in durability  or even break, so therefore the forces in the town would need weapons and repairs in order to fight back.


    Third was food.


    The body of a being is like a machine, without the right fuel needed then it won''t function properly. Thus what all the beings in this town need was food. With food they can endure and fight, with food they can survive.


    And because of those three reasons that Stian is currently on a scout mission. With his hand''s ability he is suitable for scouting and is undetectable as long as there is no mages that can detect him or somehow gets covered in snow or anything that will reveal his form.


    Hence the mission is important, Stian wasn''t alone. On the other side of the marketplace lies the huntress named Cyra Frey, who is also a friend of Stian. Cyra after the collapse of the gates decided to quit cooperating with the garrison due to being separated and also because of the chain of commands collapsing.


    The two of them had one thing in common right now.


    They are desperate.


    Ten days have passed and almost all the food have already been hoarded by the garrison forces and the only thing to do now was to find areas that have been not touched by the garrison.


    And that was the marketplace, since the marketplace was run over on the second day when the snow giants invaded the town, a lot of the forces did not dare to step in the market area.


    From roof  and  ledges, Stian uses his traceur movements in order to quickly navigate through the area. Coupled with  the passive strength of his ability that he was able to use the most of his movements to the highest capabilities in order to search the area.


    Arriving at the top of a building, Stian knew that judging by the heavy locked cellar that there would be food stored inside it. But there was one thing that is an issue, that is that there  are horde of snow giants located in front of the store.


    Thinking that there is no way they can open up the cellar without attracting attention, Stian then called over Cyra by throwing a stone towards a bronze pipe that one of the dvergr''s use.


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    Hearing the signal,  Cyra then use her mobility to  rush towards Stian.


    ''''Found anything?'''' asked Cyra


    ''''Yep, that locked cellar right there seems to contain food, the store above seems to have some food left we can take for now, we should return to the restaurant for now''''


    ''''Understood'''' Cyra replied


    There were not a lot to talk about now and Cyra who seems to be not in the mood in teasing and so was Stian who is now on a serious mode. Therefore the two didn''t idle by and rush back to their temporary based.


    ******


    Meanwhile in the top of a giant waterwheel lies an old man. A lot of people usually calls him Old man Ron but none really knows his full true name..


    Old Ron was standing in the top of the column of the waterwheel, right now his eyes contain a look of sadness as he watches the town of Snow Crest fall into despair.


    And as if it was intended a person that seems to have suddenly appeared like a gust of wind. Covered in a robe the mysterious man spoke.


    ''''It seems that we have been successful in our endeavors''''


    ''''Yes it seems you did Loptr...''''


    ''''Ron, the man who possessed a blessing  that no one knows.......are you planning to stop our handiwork?''''


    ''''No I won''t, I am a man who rather  like to be  a character in the sidelines..''''


    ''''Is that so?'' Loptr laughed.


    ''Of course , I am too old to care for things like these. So what did you do?'''' Old Ron asked.


    ''''I won''t mention the details but let us just say that we convinced  Snaer into blowing the ever winds into this degree..''''


    ''''Hmmm, so what is your plan?'''' Old Ron said.


    ''''Nothing much, just trying to prevent this city from being too prosperous. Simple as that.''''


    ''''I see'''' Old Ron replied.


    ''''Anyway, after we crushed this town and it''s wealth then we would move on.'''' Loptr said


    ''''What about the monsters?''''


    ''''It should be fine, that woman should be done cleansing the magistrate forest soon and probably would come here to help as soon as possible like she always does..Anyway,  I shall go for now'''' as Loptr vanish like a blow candle.


    Seeing the robed man go, Old Ron sighed in his heart. His job of being a courier have always have him met such people. (This town would soon turn into chaos now that days have passed, maybe I should interfere?.....no I should just watch.. I am a  retired old man now after all..) Old man Ron then sight as  stood up as his body turn into a  light and disappeared  right in thin air.

 Chapter 39 - Scavenging in Snow Crest

    Chapter 39 - Scavenging in  Snow Crest


    Arriving at the restaurant that have terrace, Stian and Cyra then reported the information they gathered towards the gathered mercenaries and decided to convey the storage area they have found.


    Stian who was telling the details was also inwardly planning inside as he  decided on what do next. Right now among  them are desperate mercenaries who have been fighting for ten days straight without any abundant of food.


    With the battles that they have been participating since the town was siege and caged. They were fighting endlessly and their only relief during those fighting was to eat food and drink ale that could warm their stomachs. Hence, the reason why these mercenaries were willing to make this restaurant their temporary based was mainly because of the owner was a great cook than can turn anything into fine meals.


    That''s why the mercenaries right now were on the edge of their seats since today the stockpiled supplies of the restaurant would be gone. Reason is that due to the popularity of this restaurant  called Gnashing Oak there were a lot of customers that orders in bulk and because of that the owner was half of his supplies during the start of the siege.


    Moving on the plan that the group  Stian and Cyra is in was simple. First the mercenaries would guard the entrance of the store as Stian opens the lock of the cellar as Cyra covers him. Then when the  cellar is open the rest of the strong armed mercenaries carrying rucksacks would then come  in and gather everything they can from the cellar until it''s empty.


    Following that the mercenaries would then  escort the food carriers while the two scouts which is Stian and Cyra would stay in the rooftops  to  survey the area and alarm the group when a horde of Snow Giants started coming over for them.


    Once the plan was detailed, the group then started preparing themselves as they rested their bodies in order to regenerate their depleted mana.


    Since Stian is mana less , he didn''t rest and gathered some of his rations in his backpack and carefully opening it with his pocket knife while being careful that the others won''t see the canned food. Opening the food he then took a chunk of meat inside the can and eat it.


    Chewing the food, Stian then look at the town who is now in chaos due to invasion of snow giants and sighed in his heart. After all Stian finally understood how chaotic this world is, that events likes this are common and is  not surprising at all.


    Stian was after all a  man from an heavy regulated world where when things like this happen, personnel of many kinds would swoop in and try to deal with situation. With modern equipment''s and long range communication devices , any situation back in his world would usually be solved in a heavy cooperation .


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    So seeing  that it''s not even a month since Stian got transported into this world and already have encountered two disasters and due to that Stian just can''t help feel skeptic about his future in this world...


    ******


    After the mercenaries rested, I Stian also headed back to the ground floor after I discarded the food can in secret after eating the food in it. Walking back towards ground floor I saw the group being armed to the teeth as I then also readied my scimitar in hand and started following the group.


    As me and Cyra surveyed  the area within the roofs, the mercenaries also did their best sneaking from buildings to buildings in order to not be sense by a Snow Giant. Following next, we arrived  at the marketplace along with mercenaries.


    Soon, I then jump towards the building and saw the lock cellar. Using the scimitar I eventually slash the padlock and slowly open the cellar. Entering inside ,I soon saw supplies of food an even some wine as I surveyed the room. Making sure the cellar is clear, next I  signaled Cyra to let the mercenaries know that the coast is clear.


    Following the signal the mercenaries quickly guarded the perimeter as I left the cellar in order to join Cyra on her guarding. Since it was not time for idle chat, I didn''t speak a word towards her due to having to keep my guard up.


    After the mercenaries have hoarder all the food in the cellar. We then quickly took off back to the same route when suddenly all of us were alerted by a loud sounds of footsteps. Seeing that there seems to be a lot of them, I then took the chance too go to a higher position to spot the commotion.


    As my eyes glance at the commotion my heart stop for a moment. Snow Giants in the  north of our position and a bunch of garrison forces who seems to ransacking the marketplace for supplies. After all, the group   of us have now rucksacks of food and wine.


    If the people of the garrisons finds the food, hence there is a big chance that they might confiscate the goods due to '''' reasons'''' .  But anyway there is also chance that they won''t act like that , but since the situation is dire, we need to be careful..


    Thus, I  leap back to the mercenaries  and the ones carrying the rucksack and told them of the snow giant horde and the garrison coming this way. The mercenaries face turn dark for a moment...but soon went back to their  wary attitude and nodded as we then move slowly back to our temporary base hoping to sneak unnoticed.

 Chapter 40 - A conflicted mind in the Snow Crest market

    Chapter 40 - A conflicted mind in the Snow Crest market


    Confrontation, the group miscalculated and have been found out by the garrison forces. Eye to eye and hands on each others sheaths. That is the situation we are in right now. Everyone is keeping an eye on everything as the mercenary group that i am in also keeps a sharp stare on the opposite forces.


    Looking at the mercenary who is currently negotiating towards the garrison made everyone feel sweat. One move and one wrong word can affect the situation right.


    Besides the me right now is currently on a state of paranoia. Every actions, every words were heard, but yet anxiety riddled my body as if there was urge to run away. Will the negotiation be a success or not?


    As the thoughts of nervousness covered me a loud shout of disagreement was heard. Hearing the shout I unconsciously look down towards the source and found the mercenary guy lifting the garrison leader''s collar as if he was offended.


    And Eventually the leader of the garrison who was held by the collar of his shirt grew irritated and proceeded to hit back at the mercenary.


    Being hit back by the garrison leader the mercenary made a counter  hit towards the garrison leader''s face. Then after taking a step back the mercenary leader shouted the words that most of us didn''t want to hear. And soon after those words were spoken.


    The battle royal between the garrison, the mercenaries and the Snow giants have begun.


    And thus because of that , i  rushed towards the enemy and sheathe my scimitar towards them.. It''s either me or them right? They provoke us so it''s just right to strike back right? After all if they didn''t provoke us then we wouldn''t attack in the first place.


    So therefore what am i doing right now is definitely self defense right? I mean if they did stole the food and wine then wouldn''t I....i mean we  will starve right? And if we starved then wouldn''t that mean that there is chance that we would die of hunger?


    So wouldn''t that mean that if they do take the supplies , thus it means that it''s like taking away our life right? Hence, what i would be doing is self defense right? And because of that , I swing the eaglehead scimitar towards  the enemy.


    *Clang*Clang* as the blade of my scimitar collides with the weapon of the enemy. Using my strength i  use my left hand gauntlet and covered the palms of my hand with black threads of energy  to grab the enemy''s weapon  as i brush it off to the side as I kick the enemy back using my right leg.


    Seeing the enemy step back, i move my weapon across my chest and then towards the front in order to prepare for the next attack.


    *Swoosh* as the enemy blade passed by my side as i dodge by taking a sidestep while using my weapon''s pommel to strike the back of the enemy''s head with a *smack* to render him unconscious.


    Seeing the enemy fall to the ground, I look around and saw that everyone is currently on a deadlock with their own foes. Not wasting the chance, I then climb back to the roof in order to repeat the same actions I did. After all, I am facing enemies that can take on snow giants and thus direct combat won''t work with them due to their own combat experiences.


    So in order to win I decided on a hit and run tactic. Which is basically hitting the enemy sneakily, make them unconscious  and disappear back to the roofs. And because of this tactic, it would allow me to take on such experience enemies by using the passive strength given by the wanderer''s hand.


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    After all, as a not so experience person in terms of combat, I need to result to fighting smart in order to win. It may sounds cowardly but as long as i win then it doesn''t matter.....


    Anyway,  as i went back into position, i took a glance at the enemy as i target one of them...then when i found what seems to be a off guard enemy, i took the chance and pounce towards the enemy with a haymaker... *smash* as my haymaker collide with the enemy''s neck....then without second thoughts I use pommeled the enemy''s head to knock the foe unconscious .


    Seeing the scenes, the mercenary who was having a hard time gave  a thumbs up towards me as he then join an ally fight a member of the garrison.


    Next, i did the same procedure of going back to the roof and targeted unguarded foes.. And so after finding another target,  I pounced towards the foe and use both of my legs hit  the foes head.


    *Smash* as the enemy flew back towards a wall with a thud and knock unconscious. As I was about to stand back up, I then felt a chill on my back as I quickly  rolled away to the ground in order to avoid a hit from a war axe.


    Feeling the shiver from the hair breadth dodge, I grew furious. (I only tried to knock your ally unconscious didn''t  I?) as i thought in my head.


    (For  you to actually planning to kill me then, wouldn''t that mean i need defend myself and even possibly kill you right ? Thus, no matter what happens all i am doing is self defense right ?) as i grimly grin at my own thought.


    *Swosh* *Crack *Bang* as the war axe at the enemy''s hand swing towards me as it  also breaks everything that it lands. The enemy in front of me was bulky but yet fast.


    Without even a chance to take a grasp of air, I rolled away as he made an upper swing with his axe, following that the foe then  twist his wrist as he change the direction of his axe towards me.


    And by seeing this, I raised my scimitar  to block the axe and *Clang*  as the weapons collide with a noise as I felt my arms go numb due to the impact. Then with a *swoosh* i was kicked in the stomach and spit  a bit of blood in the ground.


    Feeling the pain in my stomach, I then slapped knees in order to stand back up. Seeing that the enemy is really hellbent on trying to split me apart, I grit my notice in acceptance....that i have no choice but to really subdue this guy....


    Glaring at my enemy, I think of a plan quickly in my head as i then lured the enemy out of the others vision. Kiting the enemy while dodging, I next took a huge leap back as I then wrapped my scimitar with a white energy and then rushed forward using the enchantments provided by the wanderer''s hand as I slip towards the enemy''s back.


    And as I was about to make a move, the enemy seems to have notice my attack and raised his right hand with his war axe in order to block my scimitar, then as if he saw the chance, he then use his left hand to punch towards me...


    Noticing the move of the enemy, I then put my left hand towards his hand as I retract the blade within my gauntlet as it stabbed towards the enemy''s fist. Seeing the agony in his face,  thne Not waste the chance, As I quickly  grabbed the hilt of the enemy''s war axe as i use it to swing over his head and right into his back as i  targeted the back of his neck with my weapons pommel to subdue him.........but...yet...somehow...I..didn''t do it.