[Two Weeks Later]
In the southern part of the Great Pine Forest, at a crossroads near a rocky mountain known as "Mount View," the area was entirely made of stone—ground, cliffs, and slopes—so much so that even trees avoided growing there.
The weather was sunny and perfect for morning travel; the sky was clear, the sun shone brightly, and the wind blew with a gentle, refreshing breeze.
In front of a wooden sign that read, "Galleon City – Two Days", stood Takeshi and Orvin, waiting for something. Takeshi's clothes were new and different from what he wore before—his old outfit consisted of a long brown shirt stained with mud and blood, a faded black pair of pants, and torn shoes.
Now, he wore a black shirt and a long gray scarf that reached down to the back of his knees. His pants and shoes, however, remained the same. Orvin had brought him these new clothes over the past two weeks.
During that time, the two divided the tasks between them.
In the morning, Takeshi's duty was to search for food and train on his own.
In the evening, Orvin would train him in the use of aura, and at night, Orvin stood guard.
Since Takeshi's sword had been stolen, the number of Revarge beasts in the area had increased significantly.
"The carriage will arrive soon."
Orvin spoke in a faint voice, barely audible. Takeshi responded calmly,
"So, it'll take us two days to reach that city."
Orvin looked up at the sky, its blue color reflected in his eyes.
"Will you be able to handle yourself in that city full of danger and criminals?"
Unlike Orvin, Takeshi's gaze remained fixed on the rocky ground and scattered pebbles.
"I never told you this before, but I visited that city once when I was a child. It was… a terrible experience. But I know someone there."
In the distance, a small carriage drawn by a horse came into view. Orvin nudged Takeshi and asked,
"I know this isn't the best time for such a question, but… I heard every Calamity has a reason for being called that. What's yours?"
Takeshi shot Orvin a sharp glance. Something felt off—Orvin wasn't acting like his usual self; that cheerful, mischievous smile he always had was gone. Takeshi didn't react emotionally but spoke quietly,
"Why do you want to know?"
Orvin didn't reply. Silence returned as the carriage drew nearer—only seconds away now.
"You're not being yourself."
Takeshi spoke with his eyes closed, then added,
"You once told me there are people who believe aura is a spiritual energy the body can't live without."
Orvin nodded. Takeshi continued,
"Do you believe that?"
Orvin scratched the back of his head, uncertain.
"I'm not sure, to be honest—"
Takeshi opened his eyes, watching the approaching carriage. His voice came low and steady, cutting Orvin off,
"The reason I'm called a Calamity… is because I lost my aura once in my life. I guess that answers your question, old man."
Orvin hid his shock behind a wide smile just as the carriage arrived.
"Good morning, Mr. Isusha!"
The carriage driver—a young man about Takeshi's age—called out cheerfully. He had brown hair, bright green eyes like sparkling grass, and wore old, tattered clothes. His name was Sota, a merchant working under the Scorpion.
"Isusha?"
Takeshi raised an eyebrow at the name but couldn't speak further; Orvin's hand quickly covered his mouth as he spoke instead,
"It's been a while since we last met, little merchant Sota!"
Sota smiled brightly.
"So, Mr. Isusha, do you need a ride?"
Orvin laughed, hitting Takeshi on the head a few times.
"No, but my friend does. His name's Takeshi."
Takeshi froze for a moment, lost in thought.
I get why he used a fake name—he's wanted, after all—but why didn't he do the same for me?
"Takeshi, huh? Nice to meet you! How old are you?"
Sota asked, hopping off the carriage and offering a handshake.
"Nice to meet you too… I'm seventeen."
Takeshi shook his hand. Sota's eyes widened.
"You're my age?! I thought you were older!"
He assumed that because of Takeshi's sharp features and the hardened look in his eyes, as well as his strong physique even under those clothes.
Orvin placed a hand on Takeshi's shoulder.
"I'll be waiting for your return, Takeshi."
Sota climbed back onto the front seat, holding the reins, while Takeshi sat inside the carriage, leaning against a pile of hay Sota planned to sell in Galleon City.
As the carriage rolled forward, Orvin shouted,
"Sota!! Takeshi!! Safe travels!"
Sota raised his hand in farewell, while Takeshi remained silent and still, his mind deep in thought about what awaited him in Galleon—the City of Chaos. He knew little about the gang there, and Orvin's information wasn't nearly enough. He'd need to find locals willing to talk.
When the carriage finally disappeared from Orvin's sight, his smile faded, replaced once more by that stern, cold expression. He turned and walked back into the shadows of the forest with firm, deliberate steps.
Behind one of the nearby boulders, someone had been hiding. The moment Orvin vanished into the woods and the area became empty, the figure darted out, rushing into the forest, following his trail.
Hours passed since Takeshi and Sota began their journey. Neither of them had said a word. Sota wanted to break the silence but hesitated again and again. Only when the evening sun began to sink did he finally speak,
"That forest was terrifying, huh?"
Takeshi delayed his answer for a moment.
"Yeah."
The sun dipped below the horizon, its light painting the mountains gold. The carriage soon reached the outskirts of a small village far from the forests, called "Eldra."
The only sound there was the wind brushing through the golden wheat fields, glowing under the sunset.
Sota smiled, his tone filled with relief and joy though drowsiness lingered on his face.
"We've arrived at Eldra Village! We can finally rest!"
Takeshi adjusted his posture and looked through a gap in the carriage toward the village. A strange feeling washed over him.
"Sota, stop the carriage."
Sota blinked in surprise but obeyed.
"What's wrong? Do you need to… you know?"
Takeshi stepped out silently, brushing bits of hay off his clothes. He stared ahead at one of the small houses.
…
Nothing happened. Maybe that uneasy feeling was just his imagination—but his instincts wouldn't let him leave.
Suddenly—
"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!"
A woman's scream tore through the air. Takeshi bolted toward the sound at full speed.
Sota stood frozen on his seat, his mouth open.
"What the hell is happening here…?"