Houses were scattered sparsely in this small countryside, but looking slightly north, one would find the civilization of the large city standing tall.
Rogan quickly stepped out of the city limits and followed the path that led him to the adjacent rural area. His heart compelled Rogan to choose to travel out of the city to the nearby countryside, as if a suppressed word was at the bottom of his heart.
A short black coat covered his plain white shirt. Long trousers were paired with shoes most suitable for travel. A small bag was slung at his side. He wasn't carrying heavy baggage, whether it was camping equipment or a lot of possessions. He chose to make himself empty of everything.
At every distance, his eyes were fixed on a strange sight: a young boy urgently riding a horse. A basket was slung behind the young boy. The young boy waved to Rogan in a friendly manner. Rogan also waved back in greeting before the young boy galloped past him enthusiastically and quickly. He turned back to look after the young boy. A friendly smile then spread across his face.
The distance was great. Traveling through the vast meadow made the nearby countryside look distant. That feeling told him it was the end of the world he was going to reach. But what was clear was that there were no other travelers around; only he was walking. Rogan thought he had traveled quite a distance, but still wondered why that young boy was in such a hurry. Perhaps it was because he had an important duty to perform and had to manage the horse. This area was so vast that people were barely seen, but it was the kingdom of various animals, with large herds of wild buffalo and cattle coexisting.
The many thoughts accumulated inside rushed back and struck his consciousness violently. Finally, he decided to shout it out at the top of his lungs to release it.
"This is it!!"
"The life I want!!"
He quickly spun around to look at the herds of cattle and buffalo, as if some thought had immediately popped into his head. They heard the loud noise and stopped chewing the grass still stuck in their mouths before turning their faces to look at Rogan. The sign of sound perception was clear in their eyes. When he saw their reaction, he chose to walk past them slowly along the path without paying them any attention.
This village was located in harmony with abundant nature. There were rivers and small streams flowing along the side of the path. Both sides of the road were filled with beautifully scattered wild flowers, serving as a gateway to a charming and intriguing way of life. But in his line of sight, he caught a glimpse of a distant castle standing. Seeing that made him ponder something in his heart. He reached for an old book or notebook from his sling bag.
"An ancient ruin from the past, huh?"
"Never seen it in the records of people from the past."
The young man named Rogan stopped still, looking at the castle. He allowed himself to sink into the pure air. The wind gently brushed against his hair. His eyes remained fixed on the distant old castle, until a question arose deep in his heart: 'If I hadn't come out... I wouldn't have seen it, would I?'
As a student of the unconventional university, Rogan was still thinking of grasping something he wanted to know but couldn't reach. Are the records in the library that limited? The words deep in his heart were as if he was worthless to that person, but just a fragment in the past that should be commemorated by later generations.
However, in that flower garden, he came across a group of children playing happily amidst the meadows and naturally growing flowers. Their older brother was sitting by a tree, holding a piece of poetry, but constantly glancing at his siblings playing.
"Wait for me..."
"Catch me if you can~~"
Seeing that scene, a faint smile briefly appeared on Rogan's face before he continued walking along the designated path, like a light ready to shine on the path he chose and determined with his own hand.
[ The Other Side... ]
"You're a cheat... you cheated so much..."
Kael said something with a faint smile while looking away slightly in embarrassment. Hise was standing next to him. She smiled slightly at the corner of her mouth with a cunningness hidden by cuteness.
Kael glanced at her slightly, with eyes full of humor and amusement. "Everyone was trying so hard to think of conversation... but you only said a few sentences and made everyone give you their hearts."
They were standing on a bridge that spanned the river in the heart of the city. Below, sailing ships passed back and forth without interruption. She rested her elbow on the bridge railing and raised her head to look at the sky, as if pausing and letting her mind wander with the scenery. Hise met Kael's eyes for a moment, then spoke casually
"I'm happiest... when I get to trick other people."
The sound of people at the festival was still chaotic and full of joy. They had to run away because Hise violated the policy, but instead of being angry, people were extremely delighted with her naughty actions, as if the phrase 'everything will be fine if people are friendly' was true.
When they heard that story or remark, both of them reacted simultaneously, like pollen floating on the wind, gently and softly converging. While Hise remained casual, Kael stared at her from head to toe. His eyes widened in private surprise, trying not to let her see. "You are a mage, aren't you..."
Kael's words were firm and decisive, as if they were a direct impact aimed at her. But instead of showing shock or trembling at his words, she remained standing in the same posture, unperturbed.
"...Why do you think I am?"
"Tell me about it, mister."
In a fraction of a second, Kael's hand trembled with the fear arising in the depths of his mind, as if plunging into an ocean. But he continued to gaze at the young woman in front of him with distrustful eyes.
"I saw everything, but I didn't speak out..."
"I thought all of you had disappeared..."
However, Kael's face flushed red. So many emotions flooded him that they showed through his eyes, more than could be described.
"Don't be silent... at least listen to what I'm saying. I met him before you, but he was young. I didn't dare to speak, afraid he would ruin his future."
The words that burst from Kael's mouth were his true feelings. At the same time, a blurry image of Mira—a young girl he remembered—popped up in his mind. When she saw Kael speak with a heartbroken manner, Hise quickly raised her head and straightened her body.
"You're just a boy who's caught up in the past."
She swiftly removed her cloak with one hand, revealing the layers of clothing: a white inner shirt with a black-green skirt, and a brown coat worn over it, along with a sling bag. The reveal of her attire clearly showed the young woman's slender figure, along with the revelation of her true face. "I'm just a girl caught up in the past, just like you."
The words that came out of her mouth were like a knife that violently plunged into his mind. Amidst the confusion over what was real and whether what he was facing was good, the young man's eyes were filled with tears he tried to hold back, causing them to pool in his eyes.
"I have always believed that you people were still around..."
They tried to calm down amidst the pure atmosphere carried by the river in the city. Kael stood close to the bridge railing, while Hise did the same. The evening atmosphere shone warmly upon them. The traveler, accustomed to traditional cultures, was brought to a surreal place he never believed existed, yet he showed no reaction and appeared indifferent. But finally, Hise's harsh gaze softened and became gentler.
"We didn't disappear anywhere... but we had to live in hiding in small groups. I came from the distant countryside of Jepara, Southern District."
Kael whirled to look at her quickly.
"Oh my god!!... You're not just an ordinary woman anymore... you traveled across the continent by yourself..."
The two of them continued to talk about their lingering concerns, as if there was no end. Amidst the atmosphere as the sun was about to set, their conversation alternated between laughter and surprise, as if the two got along surprisingly well, despite the variety of emotions that arose. It was as if a deep friendship of comrades had formed even before they met.
Although outwardly gentle, bright, and innocent, Hise's eyes were internally filled with strength and coldness. This harshness existed beneath the young woman's image.
Stay tuned for the next episode....