The three of them marched.
Yezekael marched fervently, with vigor in his step.
Natalia, not so much.
Caelum was the most disheartened, however.
"The coast... how far is it. Why can't we use large-scale mana transportation, or anything like that?" Caelum groaned.
"Think, Caelum. We're enemies of the kingdom now. You two have kidnapped the daughter of one of the richest individuals-"
"You willingly joined us," Yezekael interrupted, clarifying with a stern tone.
"Whatever! The point is, my father's rich! My sisters and brothers are influential. Not only are you two enemies of the kingdom, but also enemies of the people. We can't draw any attention. That's why we're using this route, deep in the forest. Do you get it? Huh? Do you get it now?"
Natalia thrusted her pointer finger at the side of Caelum's head. He flinched.
The rural eastern area of Sar was quite a remarkable sight, like all of Sar. Occasionally, you could see abandoned wooden houses, overtaken by the luscious nature.
The air was moist. Having to carry the bag was like a punishment, but Yezekael marched forward gladly. A positive attitude would help him, he believed.
Natalia dragged behind for a moment, walking behind Yezekael. She reached into the bag that he wore over his back, pulling a black book out of it.
"... What book is that?" Caelum's eyes lingered for a short moment on the hardcover.
"Saga of the Banished Healer who formed the Legendary Demon Slaying... Party."
"..."
"Just by the title, I hate it. I mean, it's a mockery of true literature! True epics, beautiful journeys. It makes no sense!" the coolheaded Yezekael suddenly erupted. He maintained his pace.
"What? What's wrong with the long title books?" Caelum asked.
"First of all, healers don't get banned from parties! These writers love to underestimate healers, when they are probably one of the most important people needed within a party! The main character of the book ends up rarely using his healing abilities, anyway. It's like, why is he even considered a healer in the first place? It's nonsense. Really."
Yezekael rambled on about the passionate topic.
"..."
"... I didn't know you were such an intellectualist, Yezekael..." Natalia quietly mocked.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, nothing. It was nothing. When are we gonna take a stop? My legs are starting to get tired."
"You and Caelum are so frail and weak. Royalty these days. You nobles have never run a day in your life."
"... Really? And you're just— what, the strongest human to ever grace the land? Don't make me laugh."
"Shut up. Look at your ankles. Soft and pale as snow. If damsel were a derogatory word, it'd be used on you."
"What does the color of my ankles have to do with my strength?!"
"Guys!"
Caelum stopped in front of them.
"Quit all that bickering, alright? We aren't... gonna survive if you guys keep it up."
He rested his palms on his knees, panting. Sweat dripped down his forehead, splashing on a leaf below.
Did he... stop us just to take a break? So why'd you make it seem like you're talking to us? Yezekael quietly stared.
Natalia looked at Yezekael, agreeing with Caelum in her head. Seeing that agreement in her eyes, he only sighed, placing his bag down. It was a good spot in the forest to take a break. The sun was beginning to set as well.
"Oi!"
A voice called out. It came from a few meters in front of them.
An individual had stepped outside of the shadows, into their view. The three of them squinted to see who exactly it was. Before they could determine this, he spoke again.
"You three must be travellers, so I'll go easy on you. But this is my territory. And there's a fee for passing through here."
"Fee?"
Yezekael scratched his head.
"I don't see it on my... map."
The individual was close enough to snatch the map out of his hand.
His sleeves were rolled up, revealing vascular, yet lean forearms. A tight grip.
His hair was orange and wild. A tanned-skinned man with carefree blue eyes that sized up Yezekael. The elven man in front of them couldn't have been from the capital, judging by his accent and his attire.
He wore dark-brown colors with a white shirt on the inside. A dark-brown waistcoat, the collar of his white shirt was open. At his waist hung two curved daggers with leather hilts.
"You won't see it on that map if you got it from the capital. They wouldn't work with Delt the Bandit King. You guys have been traveling pretty quietly. I'm surprised nobody caught wind of you three. Anyway, I'm talking too much."
Delt stuck his hand out.
"Three silver coins will be fine."
"..."
Yezekael stopped himself from laughing.
"Three silver coins? Ah, man. I'm not-"
"Don't play any jokes with me."
"... Alright. Alright."
"I do take other forms of payment. Even that pretty lady you're carrying with you over there, I think she'll be sufficient."
Yezekael took out his spear.
His back leg slid backward. He rotated, thrusting the spear toward the elf's direction.
"!"
Where Yezekael expected to feel the fleshy meat of an elf, air was present. The elf in front of him had moved to the side, avoiding the attack with ease.
"You attacked me first. So it's fine. Bear witness."
With an icepick grip, he unsheathed one of his daggers.
His hip twisted, his elbow extended.
Slsh!
Delt's curved blade cut through Yezekael's white shirt. It cut through his flesh, shedding blood onto the white shirt.
The droplets of blood followed the dagger's movements, some of them splashing onto his face.
"Keuk!-"
It all happened extremely quick.
Caelum took out his AHMC rifle and fired.
Fyeom!
But it was too late. Just as fast as he attacked, Delt disappeared. Leaving Yezekael's blood dripping onto the grass.
"Yezekael!"
Caelum and Natalia both yelled out. They rushed toward him, holding him.
They were shocked, stunned, and worried.
But Yezekael was still.
That was... quick.