Chapter 12: First contact
The gate shimmered once, then dissolved into nothingness.
"Looks like the gate vanished. That's mad," Tor said, eyes wide with fascination.
"It was made from the Great Elder's power, supported by a spatial spirit. Incredibly powerful… but no one has ever met the spatial spirit," Jin explained, her voice timid yet steady, knowledge laced into every word.
Tor tilted his head. "Hmmm? Are spirits really that powerful?"
The forest stretched before them, vast and shadowed. Towering trees locked together in a canopy that blotted out the sun, their roots twisting like serpents across the sloping ground. The air was damp, heavy with the scent of moss and wild earth. Strange cries echoed faintly, reminders that beasts lurked deeper within.
Tor pulled out his sleek glass phone, swiping idly as they walked.
"Spirits are very powerful, young master," Jin said firmly. "Their basic power is at grandmaster level when they awaken, and they progress much faster than humans. Be careful. Stay behind me whenever we have to fight one."
Tor chuckled, imagining an old granny behind her masked face.
"Ok, ok, grannie, I'll do as you say."
"That's rude, young master. You already know I'm thirteen," Jin snapped, her voice tinged with irritation.
"Hahaha, how would I know when you always have that mask on?" Tor teased.
"Hm, young master, what a roundabout way to say you want to see my face. Should I be alarmed?" Jin teased back.
"Nope. It's just that we're in a region where we can easily be recognised. If you stay in that attire, you'll invite trouble. Plus, I'm just ten. Don't you think you'd be considered a pervert for hitting on me?" Tor smirked.
"I know you were thinking of it," Jin muttered under her breath. Then, slowly, she removed her mask. Her short black hair framed a beautiful face, her features sharp yet youthful. Tor smiled lightly — it had been a long time since he'd seen her without the mask.
"Don't you feel better now it's off?" Tor asked, still teasing.
"No, actually… the Great Elder said anyone who sees me without my mask has to either die or be my bride," Jin said seriously.
"Oh, quick, put it back on," Tor laughed, closing his eyes.
"Sly young lord," Jin replied, laughing with him.
They walked deeper into the forest. Master‑level beasts crossed their path but diverted quickly, sensing the overwhelming aura of the two. For Tor and Jin, the journey felt more like sightseeing than danger.
Eventually, they reached a small village. Its walls rose a few metres high, gates sturdy but modest compared to the fortress. Few magicians lived here; it was a humble settlement.
"Halt! Where do you two think you're going?" a guard barked, air rifle in hand. The weapon gleamed, powerful enough to impale A‑class beasts. His tone was condescending, his smile lecherous.
"ID and purpose of visit," he demanded, eyes fixed on Jin rather than Tor.
"We don't have any," Jin said casually, glancing at Tor. Presenting their IDs would expose them.
"Hm, that's a problem. What should we do, Pak?" the guard asked his companion, licking his lips as he reached to stroke Jin's face.
"Oga guard, keep your hands to yourself lest you lose it," Tor warned, his tone sharp.
The guard froze inches from Jin's face, unable to move. Terror gripped him — he couldn't understand why his body refused to obey.
"What are you people doing, slacking off?!" A young man in a fine suit approached, hand in hand with a lavishly dressed woman. Guards followed behind.
"No, young lord, it's not what you think," another guard stammered. The ones atop the gates ducked, pretending not to see. The frozen culprit remained locked in his pose.
"So I'm not currently seeing that perverted smile as he tries to touch a thirteen‑year‑old?" the young lord and lady asked in unison. Jin blinked, fascinated by their synchronisation.
"No, he was merely checking their papers, young lord," a guard lied, sweat trickling down his cheek.
"Then why are you still in that lecherous position?" the young lady — Anna — pressed, unimpressed.
At that moment, the frozen guard collapsed, face‑first before Jin. "I don't know…" he muttered, dread in his eyes.
"Come, little brother and sister. I will bring you into the village if Taka permits," Anna said warmly, appealing to the suited young man.
"Fine. But they can't cause trouble," Taka replied calmly, his smile measured.
"Thank you. We owe you," Jin said politely as they walked through the gates.
"Are you from here? What's your name?" Anna asked, admiring Jin's looks.
"What's his name? He's so cute. How old is he?" she continued, glancing at Tor, disbelief in her tone.
"Thank you very much. As I said, we owe you one. We'll be going now," Jin replied icily, pulling Tor along.
"Please don't be that way. I was just admiring you two. It's dangerous for little kids to move alone in the village if they're not from here. They could be kidnapped or sold as slaves," Anna explained, concern in her voice. Tor and Jin exchanged evil smirks.
"That's not the only problem. There have been reports of beast hordes attacking villages in this region. The attacks seem calculated. If the horde hits, you kids could be stranded," Anna added, her green eyes reflecting light.
"Plus, although I am young, I'm a saint‑level fire mantle mage. And she is a step into saint level from the lightning mantle tribe," Taka interjected, reassuring them.
"You're a long way from home, and still ill‑matched," Jin said honestly, her tone blunt but respectful.
"How dare you speak that way to the young lady!" one of the guards shouted, but Anna silenced him with a gesture.
"You are very well informed," Anna said, smiling with interest. "We are merchants, and we travel far. But your knowledge tells me you're not from here." Her gaze lingered on Tor and Jin.
"Your shoes don't fit the terrain," she added, noting Tor's flip‑flops, shorts, and t‑shirt. The embroidered bracelets on his wrists caught her eye, but she said nothing.
"So what do you say? Big sis will treat you both to a meal," Anna continued, grabbing Jin's hand warmly and pulling her further into the village. She glanced back at Tor, who nodded slightly and followed, listening to the chatter.