Heretic this, heretic that, this heretic is gone! It seems like my pursuers have stopped chasing me, at least. I was almost expecting another cavalry to hunt me, but I guess they finally came back to their senses.

It was dumb of them to fight me in the first place. Sure, I caused a tiny bit of destruction but losing further troops to a traveler like me serves no purpose. Even hunting heretics should be done with pragmatism, it seems.

I've just been galloping in a straight line at various speeds. I don't exactly know how horse riding works at all. I've tried hitting it with my talons a bit, giving it vocal commands, and even moving my body back and forth, but nothing worked.

But now I have a problem, the horse I am riding cannot go further. It's weird. It's just lying on its side on the article of death, hooves in the air and tongue outside. Somehow my healing magic doesn't seem to affect it. Perhaps it needs water or something? There will be plenty when we get there…

Just as I explore the surroundings to find anything useful, I see the white horse suddenly spring back on its feet and gallop away at top speed. Since when can horses act? Seriously?! Ah, whatever. Ordering it was already hard.

Guess I'll run. Funny enough, I almost get the same speed, simply ninja running toward my destination. The thing is that I have no clue how long it will take me to reach it. Let's just say the whole getting thrown farther than I can fathom did a number on my sense of distances.

That's when appears a small hut in front. There is also a small path nearby that leads to what I can only assume is a farm. Part of me is sure I'm going in the right direction, but another part of me still wants to make sure.

Would a random farmer have heard of the Water sect? Perhaps. Even if he doesn't know, I'll just be on my way. I still have no clue how widespread geography knowledge is in this place. It's not my forte, so it confuses me grandly. God, I miss my map application *Sigh*.

As I come closer to the wooden hut, I knock gently.

[Anyone here?]

No answer whatsoever. But the door slightly opens. Guess it wasn't locked properly. Actually, I don't think this kind of door has a lock period. That's when I feel something. It's weird to explain. It seems to be the same feeling I feel from Wolfie when we eat barbecue together.

I slightly push the door further open, and that's when I see it. On the kitchen table is a tiny little creature. It seems to be some kind of fruit fly. Its appearance is obviously different from the ones I know, but I can at least recognize it. I'm guessing it evolved thanks to mana.

It radiates pure and simple happiness. Yes, that's what it is. I can't help but smile as it reminds me of her. I still remember that one knitting sentence. I can believe it somehow.

While observing the creature, I slowly approach and sit near it. It seems to be blissfully devouring some white berry.

[Is it good?]

It suddenly freezes and looks at me, startled, its tiny eyes bulging. It looks at its meal and then at me, apparently wondering when the hell I came in. Then it shows worry. I love how expressive the animals are in this world. It's crazy.

[Haha, don't worry, little one. I won't steal your meal. Just keep going. I'm not here to steal from you at all. Tell me, do you know who lives here?]

It silently and shyly nods.

[I see. I'm looking for the Water sect. Any idea if I'm heading in the right direction?]

It looks at me confused. Then again, why am I asking a fly that? Well, I try not to underestimate the creatures here. I've already met all kinds of smart ones.

That's when I hear the sound of footsteps, then the door opening. Enter a man wearing simple farmer clothing.

"Alright, I'm done burying it now we can- Who are you?!"

This is awkward. Do I say that I entered because the fruit fly exuded happiness, and it made me curious? That sounds sketchy for a break-in excuse.

[Ah, sorry, I let myself in since the door was already slightly open. Actually, I just have a simple question to ask, and then I'll be on my way.]

The man seems tense a bit. Then again, it's understandable. There is talk of war going on all over the place. You never know when it will come to you. Maybe he thinks I'm here to conscript him or something? Probably, seeing his clenched fist.

[It's like this, I'm looking for the Water Sect, and I'm not sure I'm heading in the right direction. Do you know about it?]

He seems baffled by my query.

"The water sect?"

[Indeed, I have a friend there and many enemies. I need to make sure my friend is fine, is all. Either that or a way to communicate with the gods. If I could just contact Aqua directly, she could take care of all this mess.]

"Aqua?!"

[Yeah…For all I know, she could still be having a tea party. I blame the time difference between the two realms. Anyway, do you know where it is?]

"That yes…I know the rough heading."

Nice! Jackpot! Now that I think about it, this man seems to be fairly strong below the rough clothing. I feel like he's probably a rank 3 or close. After all these encounters, I've become pretty good at figuring out my interlocutor's power.

I guess retiring to a farm is more popular than I thought. First, he old baker, and now this guy. Well, this one is young, but it's fine. It's his life. He can do whatever he wants of it. He seems to be in deep contemplation.

From time to time, he looks at his pet, then at me. I really have no idea what he's hesitating about. But then he seems to come to a decision.

"I can show you if you want. The way to the Water sect I mean. I am heading toward it too."

[What about your farm?]

His eyes lose focus for a second, apparently reminiscing.

"There are probably enemies that will come knocking very soon. We need to leave."

[I understand! Let's go, no time like the present!]

He nods, grabs a few bags, and then starts leading the way while giving one last complicated look to the small hut, but then he starts away resolutely. I'm pretty lucky to have found a guide in a random hut.

This is a sign. Even fate is on my side!...