—Sound of steady wind—
Oravien: It'll take me a whole day to reach the city by carriage… but I need money now. I don't want to spend too much—I'll ask the driver if he needs help with something in exchange for the ride to Moraief.
The carriage driver arrived and motioned for Oravien to board. Oravien climbed in, beginning his journey to Moraief, where he planned to find work to pay for his son's education.
Oravien: Good evening.
Driver: … (silent)
Oravien: Please take me to Moraief.
The carriage began to move. After about an hour, Oravien, worried about the cost, decided to speak up.
Oravien (hesitant): By the way… how much do I owe you for the ride?
Driver (condescending): Why the rush? Fifteen silver coins.
Oravien (thinking): Fifteen? That's a lot. I have the money, but I want to save for expenses in the city...
Oravien (hesitant): …Could I perhaps help you with something in exchange for the ride?
Driver (irritated): What? Of course not. I don't need help, I need money.
Oravien (half-lying): But… I don't have much money. I could help with whatever you need.
Driver (turns to him): Are you joking? If you don't have money, why ask for a ride in the first place?
Oravien: It would take me far too long to walk there, and I'm in a hurry…
Driver (angrily stops the carriage): I don't care if you're in a hurry or not. Pay up, or I'll drop you off right now. You're wasting my time.
Oravien (frustrated): Fine, fine… I'll pay. Keep going.
Oravien (thinking): This is bad… but I expected this. I know what kind of man he is. It's fine. I don't mind paying 15 silver coins, but I must find a job in Moraief.
The carriage continued its journey through the forest, heading to Moraief.
---
10 hours later:
They had exited the forest and were now in the open plains. But it was getting late, and both men needed to rest.
The driver slept in his carriage. Oravien, prepared, had brought a tent and laid down to sleep on the ground.
Oravien (before sleeping): This place isn't safe. I'll stay alert, even while I sleep… I can't risk being attacked. And the driver… I can sense his aura—he doesn't know any techniques. I'll have to protect him if something happens.
Inside the carriage, the driver had settled in and fallen asleep.
Oravien (to himself): A small part of me actually hopes we do get attacked. Maybe if I save his life, he'll waive the fee… (smirks)
…No. How despicable. I'm still the same selfish man. This way of thinking is what got me exiled from Moraief in the first place. No… I don't really want us to be attacked… (closes his eyes) …Or at least, that's what I tell myself.
---
Three hours later:
A sudden scream shattered the night—followed by strange, loud sounds all around.
Oravien bolted upright—Energy Beasts were attacking the carriage. The driver's screams filled the air.
Oravien: Damn it, they're here. I have to move fast.
Driver (shouting): Hey! Wake up! Help me! They're attacking!
Oravien (thinking): I know, idiot—hold on.
Oravien focused his energy and summoned a small boulder from thin air.
Oravien: Launch!
He hurled the rock at one of the beasts. It staggered but wasn't enough to kill it.
Oravien (thinking): I need to draw them away from the carriage, fast. What do I do…?
He ran to the side of the carriage. Three wolves stood between him and the driver.
Oravien (thinking): I'm not good at this type… but I'll use everything I have, just to push them back.
He extended his hand, channeling energy into his palm as the wind swirled and gathered like a storm.
Driver (screaming): What are you waiting for?! Save me, scum!
One of the beasts bit the driver's leg, causing him to scream in pain.
The scream broke Oravien's concentration.
Oravien (thinking): Damn it—I don't have time to charge it more.
Oravien: Wind Bullet—Launch!
He fired a concentrated blast of wind that hit the beasts and pushed them back, injuring them slightly.
Oravien (thinking): I'm not skilled enough… I'll have to fight them with my sword.
He drew his blade, enhancing it with his energy.
He slashed one beast, cutting its arm. The beast retaliated, but he parried the strike.
Oravien (in a rush of adrenaline): I can take you all down!
With one clean swing, he decapitated the first beast.
But before he could celebrate, another bit down hard on his arm.
Oravien (thinking): Damn—this hurts… I can't move my sword…
The third beast charged in and bit his leg. Now he was pinned down by both limbs.
Oravien: No way I'm dying here… not to mid-tier beasts…
The beast bit harder—Oravien's arm cracked from the pressure.
Then, a stone flew and struck the beast's head. The driver had thrown it.
The beast turned toward the driver.
Oravien (thinking): It's going after him—No!
He switched his sword to his left hand and killed the beast on his leg.
Then, limping, he chased after the remaining beast—but it was fast, and Oravien couldn't run at full speed.
The driver saw death approaching. The beast was nearly upon him.
Oravien (yelling): Enhancement!
He used the last of his energy to boost his leg, leaping forward in a final effort.
The world slowed.
The screams of the driver, the growls of the beast, Oravien's own shout—they echoed through the clearing.
Just as the beast reached the driver—
Oravien(yells): damn this body!! Enhancement!
He swung his sword, slicing off the beast's head a split second before it struck.
The three beasts were dead.
But both men were badly wounded, covered in red and blue blood.
Oravien: Are you hurt?
Driver (still in shock): …No. Just… almost died.
Oravien: Be grateful. But your leg doesn't look good.
Driver: Neither does your hand… and you can't stand properly.
Oravien (sighs): Unfortunately, I can't use healing techniques. We need to reach the city—there's a hospital there.
They wrapped their wounds temporarily to stop the bleeding, then pushed on.
Half a day later, they reached Moraief, just before noon.
From the carriage, Oravien looked out at the city.
Oravien (thinking): Moraief… it's been a long time. But I'm not here for nostalgia. I need to work—for my son. I want to be a good father. Just once… I want to be someone worth something… even if it's just for him.
They reached the city gates.
Driver: We're here…
Oravien: Thank you for the ride. Here's your payment.
Driver: Don't be stupid—I don't want your money. You saved my life.
Oravien (smiling): You sure?
Driver: Of course. By the way… what's your name?
Oravien: My name? ...its Elikear!